mineral

Nickel

Nickel (Ni)

Hardness: 4.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Silvery-white with a slight golden tinge; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 8.908

Hardness: 4
Color: Silvery-white with a slight golden tinge
Luster: Metallic

Identified March 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 4.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Silvery-white with a slight golden tinge; Luster: Metallic; Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 8.908

Formation & geological history

Primarily found in the Earth's core, nickel is commercially extracted from two types of ore deposits: magmatic sulfide deposits (like pentlandite) and lateritic deposits formed by intensive weathering of ultramafic rocks in humid tropical climates.

Uses & applications

Major use in stainless steel production, alloying, electroplating, and rechargeable battery systems (NiMH and Li-ion). Historically and currently used in coinage (though often as an alloy with copper).

Geological facts

Nickel is the fifth most abundant element on Earth, but most of it is inaccessible in the core. It is also found in significant quantities in iron-nickel meteorites, which provided early civilizations with a source of the metal before mining techniques were developed.

Field identification & locations

In the field, nickel-bearing minerals like garnierite are identified by their distinct apple-green color. Collectors look for well-crystallized sulfides or rare secondary minerals. It is commonly found in regions with historical volcanic activity or tropical weathering profiles.