Paraotwayite is a rare nickel hydroxide sulfate mineral that typically appears as bright green to yellow-green platy crusts. It is primarily found in the weathering zones of nickel-rich ultramafic rocks and is a prized target for advanced mineral collectors focusing on supergene species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Paraotwayite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this paraotwayite?

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 paraotwayite with a known reference. Paraotwayite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paraotwayite leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Paraotwayite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or massive aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Otwayite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Paraotwayite leaves light green, Otwayite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Paraotwayite and dull on Otwayite.

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Often found alongside paraotwayite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni(OH)₂(SO₄)₀.₅
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Or Massive Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-rich Weathering Zones of Serpentinites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find paraotwayite

Classic worldwide localities

Otway Group, Western Australia
Carr Boyd Rocks, Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-rich weathering zones of serpentinites country — that is the host setting where paraotwayite typically forms. If you start seeing otwayite, gaspeite, magnesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, or massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paraotwayite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include green, yellow-green.

Where is paraotwayite found?+

Notable localities include Otway Group, Western Australia; Carr Boyd Rocks, Western Australia.

How much is paraotwayite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is paraotwayite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like paraotwayite?+

Paraotwayite is most often confused with Otwayite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with paraotwayite?+

Paraotwayite commonly co-occurs with Otwayite, Gaspeite, Magnesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paraotwayite form in?+

Paraotwayite typically forms in nickel-rich weathering zones of serpentinites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paraotwayite used for?+

Paraotwayite is used in collector.

Find paraotwayite on the map

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