Nickolayite is an extremely rare nickel-iron alloy recognized primarily from the Khatyrka meteorite. It typically occurs as microscopic grains within meteorite matrices and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors and researchers studying extraterrestrial materials.
Is this nickolayite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch nickolayite with a known reference. Nickolayite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nickolayite leaves a metallic grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nickolayite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: interstitial grains.
Often confused with
Nickolayite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nickolayite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nickolayite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₃Fe
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 8.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Metallic Grey
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Interstitial Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find nickolayite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khatyrka meteorite
- Chukotka region
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country — that is the host setting where nickolayite typically forms. If you start seeing icosahedrite, cupalite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a interstitial grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nickolayite?+
Where is nickolayite found?+
How much is nickolayite worth?+
What rocks look like nickolayite?+
What minerals are found with nickolayite?+
What kind of rock does nickolayite form in?+
What is nickolayite used for?+
Find nickolayite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
