Šlikite is a very rare nickel-aluminum hydroxycarbonate mineral primarily found as thin, platy crystals. It is typically associated with other nickel minerals in hydrothermal deposits and is highly valued by mineral collectors for its scarcity and specific locality occurrences.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Group family

Šlikite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this šlikite?

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 šlikite with a known reference. Šlikite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Šlikite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Šlikite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Šlikite and waxy on Stichtite.

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Often found alongside šlikite

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

Annabergite
mineral · Mohs 1.5-2.5

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni₄Al₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.05 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find šlikite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where šlikite typically forms. If you start seeing annabergite, nickel-skutterudite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify šlikite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is šlikite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

How much is šlikite 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 šlikite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which is a skin sensitizer and potentially toxic if ingested or inhaled; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like šlikite?+

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

What minerals are found with šlikite?+

Šlikite commonly co-occurs with Annabergite, Nickel-skutterudite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does šlikite form in?+

Šlikite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is šlikite used for?+

Šlikite is used in collector.

Find šlikite on the map

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