Reevesite is a rare nickel-iron carbonate mineral typically forming as thin, platy crystals or earthy crusts in the oxidation zones of nickeliferous ores. Its distinct yellow to yellow-green color and pearly luster are key identifiers, often found associated with serpentine or goethite. It is primarily a collector's mineral due to its rarity and delicate nature.
Is this reevesite?
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 reevesite with a known reference. Reevesite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reevesite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reevesite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Reevesite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Reevesite leaves yellow, Hydrotalcite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Reevesite leaves yellow, Meixnerite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Reevesite leaves yellow, Woodwardite leaves white.
Often found alongside reevesite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reevesite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₆Fe³⁺₂(OH)₁₆(CO₃)·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Nickel-rich Ultramafic Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find reevesite
Classic worldwide localities
- Western Australia
- New Caledonia
- Russia
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of nickel-rich ultramafic deposits country — that is the host setting where reevesite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, magnesite, gersdorffite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify reevesite?+
Where is reevesite found?+
How much is reevesite worth?+
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What rocks look like reevesite?+
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Find reevesite on the map
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