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 — that is 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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Find widgiemoolthalite on the map
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