Widgiemoolthalite is a rare nickel carbonate mineral that typically forms delicate, radiating sprays of acicular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of nickel-rich ore deposits in Western Australia and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this widgiemoolthalite?
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 widgiemoolthalite with a known reference. Widgiemoolthalite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Widgiemoolthalite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Widgiemoolthalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Widgiemoolthalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside widgiemoolthalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with widgiemoolthalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ni,Mg)₅(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·4-5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find widgiemoolthalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Widgiemooltha, Western Australia
- Kambalda, Western Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized nickel sulfide ore deposits country, the host setting where widgiemoolthalite typically forms. If you start seeing gaspeite, magnesite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify widgiemoolthalite?+
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What minerals are found with widgiemoolthalite?+
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Find widgiemoolthalite on the map
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