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, so 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, 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.