Nimite is a rare nickel-rich member of the chlorite group, typically appearing as dark green to yellowish-green platy or micaceous aggregates. It is most commonly found in nickel-rich geological environments where it forms through the alteration of primary nickel minerals. Collectors should look for its characteristic pearly luster and soft, flexible plates, which are often found associated with other rare nickel minerals.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareChlorite Group family

Nimite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this nimite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch nimite with a known reference. Nimite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nimite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nimite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, yellowish green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliated masses, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

Nimite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nimite leaves white, Chamosite leaves white to pale green.

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Often found alongside nimite

Minerals reported to co-occur with nimite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ni,Mg,Al)₆(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Yellowish Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Foliated Masses, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Study
Host rock: Nickel-rich Hydrothermal Environments, Serpentinized Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find nimite

Classic worldwide localities

Bon Accord, South Africa
Sudbury, Canada
Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-rich hydrothermal environments, serpentinized ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where nimite typically forms. If you start seeing trevorite, willemseite, bunsenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliated masses, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nimite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark green, yellowish green.

Where is nimite found?+

Notable localities include Bon Accord, South Africa; Sudbury, Canada; Western Australia.

How much is nimite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like nimite?+

Nimite is most often confused with Clinochlore, Chamosite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nimite?+

Nimite commonly co-occurs with Trevorite, Willemseite, Bunsenite, Serpentine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nimite form in?+

Nimite typically forms in nickel-rich hydrothermal environments, serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nimite used for?+

Nimite is used in collector, mineralogical study.

Find nimite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.