Nuwaite is a rare nickel germanium sulfide that forms irregular grains. It is associated with grossular and heazlewoodite. It was first described from material found in Mexico (meteorite).

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Nuwaite

Nuwaite is a rare nickel germanium sulfide that forms irregular grains. It is associated with grossular and heazlewoodite. It was first described from material found in Mexico (meteorite).

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this nuwaite?

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 nuwaite with a known reference. Nuwaite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nuwaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nuwaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: irregular grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Maucherite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Maucherite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Nuwaite leaves black, Maucherite leaves blackish gray.

How to tell apart: Breithauptite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Nuwaite leaves black, Breithauptite leaves red-brown.

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Often found alongside nuwaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni₆GeS₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 7.24 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Irregular Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Meteoritic Material

Where rockhounds find nuwaite

Classic worldwide localities

material found in Mexico (meteorite)

Field-hunting tip

Look in meteoritic material country, the host setting where nuwaite typically forms. If you start seeing troilite, iron, cohenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nuwaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is nuwaite found?+

Notable localities include material found in Mexico (meteorite).

Is nuwaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions upon contact; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nuwaite?+

Nuwaite is most often confused with Maucherite, Breithauptite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nuwaite?+

Nuwaite commonly co-occurs with Troilite, Iron, Cohenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nuwaite form in?+

Nuwaite typically forms in meteoritic material. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nuwaite used for?+

Nuwaite is used in collector.

Find nuwaite on the map

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