Nickolayite is a rare iron molybdenum mineral that forms light gray to grayish white irregularly shaped grains. It is an accessory phase in fused clinopyroxene-plagioclase rocks. It was first described from Jizah District, Amman Governorate, Jordan.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Metallic Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareNickel-Iron Alloy family

Nickolayite

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

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Is this nickolayite?

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 nickolayite with a known reference. Nickolayite 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. Nickolayite leaves a metallic gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nickolayite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light gray, grayish white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: irregularly shaped grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Taenite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nickolayite leaves metallic gray, Taenite leaves gray.

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Often found alongside nickolayite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeMoP
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 7.819 g/cm³
Colors: Light Gray Grayish White
Streak: Metallic Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Irregularly Shaped Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: CV3 Carbonaceous Chondrite Meteorites

Where rockhounds find nickolayite

Classic worldwide localities

Jizah District, Amman Governorate, Jordan

Field-hunting tip

Look in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites country, the host setting where nickolayite typically forms. If you start seeing icosahedrite, cupalite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregularly shaped grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nickolayite?+

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

Where is nickolayite found?+

Notable localities include Jizah District, Amman Governorate, Jordan.

What rocks look like nickolayite?+

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

What minerals are found with nickolayite?+

Nickolayite commonly co-occurs with Icosahedrite, Cupalite, Forsterite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nickolayite form in?+

Nickolayite typically forms in cv3 carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nickolayite used for?+

Nickolayite is used in collector.

Find nickolayite on the map

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