Westerveldite is a rare nickel-iron arsenide mineral typically found as metallic, massive, or granular aggregates. It is primarily identified through laboratory analysis and is most commonly associated with other nickel-bearing ore minerals in ultramafic intrusive complexes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Westerveldite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this westerveldite?

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 westerveldite with a known reference. Westerveldite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Westerveldite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Westerveldite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside westerveldite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Ni,Co)As
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 7.9-8.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find westerveldite

Classic worldwide localities

Vlakfontein, South Africa
Talmessi, Iran
Bou Azzer, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where westerveldite typically forms. If you start seeing nickeline, maucherite, gersdorffite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify westerveldite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, silver-white, gray.

Where is westerveldite found?+

Notable localities include Vlakfontein, South Africa; Talmessi, Iran; Bou Azzer, Morocco.

How much is westerveldite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is westerveldite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic. Handle with caution, wash hands after touching, and do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like westerveldite?+

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

What minerals are found with westerveldite?+

Westerveldite commonly co-occurs with Nickeline, Maucherite, Gersdorffite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does westerveldite form in?+

Westerveldite typically forms in ultramafic igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is westerveldite used for?+

Westerveldite is used in collector.

Find westerveldite on the map

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