Kambaldaite is a rare nickel carbonate mineral that occurs as small, delicate hexagonal prisms. It is primarily found in the secondary oxidation zones of nickel sulfide ore deposits in Western Australia, often associated with weathered ultramafic rocks.
Hardness
3.5
Mohs
Luster
Silky
Streak
Pale Green
Transparency
Translucent
Is this kambaldaite?
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 kambaldaite with a known reference. Kambaldaite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kambaldaite leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kambaldaite typically shows a silky luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright grass-green, emerald-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms, tabular crystals.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ni₈(CO₃)₆(OH)₆·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.18 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Hexagonal Prisms, Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
Where rockhounds find kambaldaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kambalda, Western Australia
- Widgiemooltha, Western Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel sulfide ore deposits country, the host setting where kambaldaite typically forms. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kambaldaite?+
Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a silky luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include bright grass-green, emerald-green.
Where is kambaldaite found?+
Notable localities include Kambalda, Western Australia; Widgiemooltha, Western Australia.
Is kambaldaite safe to handle?+
It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which is a skin sensitizer and potentially toxic if inhaled as dust or ingested. Handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.
What kind of rock does kambaldaite form in?+
Kambaldaite typically forms in nickel sulfide ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is kambaldaite used for?+
Kambaldaite is used in collector.
Find kambaldaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
