Nickelhexahydrite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Nickelhexahydrite
Formula:
Ni2+(H2O)6(SO4)
Colour:
Bluish-green to very pale blue
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
2.036
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named for its relation to hexahydrite and ferrohexahydrite, and for its nickel content.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2889
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2889:5
IMA Classification of Nickelhexahydrite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ni2+S6+O4·6H2O
First published:
1965
Classification of Nickelhexahydrite
7.CB.25
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
C : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, with H2O
B : With only medium-sized cations
29.6.8.4
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
6 : AXO4·xH2O
29 : HYDRATED ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
6 : AXO4·xH2O
25.12.13
25 : Sulphates
12 : Sulphates of Co and Ni
25 : Sulphates
12 : Sulphates of Co and Ni
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Nhhy | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Nickelhexahydrite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Nickelhexahydrite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Bluish-green to very pale blue
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {010} less perfect on {100}
on {010} less perfect on {100}
Density:
2.036 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.05 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Nickelhexahydrite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.469 - 1.470 nγ = 1.493 - 1.494
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.024
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively weak
Chemistry of Nickelhexahydrite
Mindat Formula:
Ni2+(H2O)6(SO4)
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Ti,Mn
Crystallography of Nickelhexahydrite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/b
Setting:
C2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.880(3) Å, b = 7.288(2) Å, c = 24.130(3) Å
β = 98.6°
β = 98.6°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.356 : 1 : 3.311
Unit Cell V:
1,717.96 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.35 Å | (100) |
| 2.89 Å | (90) |
| 1.994 Å | (80) |
| 3.98 Å | (80) |
| 1.856 Å | (70) |
| 2.27 Å | (60) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics | <3.5-2.5 |
| 43 : Shear-induced minerals (including mylonite/slickensides) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Type Occurrence of Nickelhexahydrite
General Appearance of Type Material:
crystalline crusts and coatings
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineralogical Institute, Tomsk Polytechnical Institute, Tomsk, Russia.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Nickelhexahydrite
Dutch:Nickelhexahydriet
German:Nickelhexahydrit
Russian:Никельгексагидрит
Simplified Chinese:六水镍矾
Spanish:Nickelhexahydrita
Relationship of Nickelhexahydrite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Hexahydrite Group:
| Bianchite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) | Mon. 2/m : P2/m |
| Chvaleticeite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Ferrohexahydrite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
| Hexahydrite | Mg(H2O)6(SO4) | Mon. 2/m : P2/m |
| Moorhouseite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) | Mon. 2/m : B2/b |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 5 photos of Nickelhexahydrite associated with Retgersite | NiSO4 · 6H2O |
| 2 photos of Nickelhexahydrite associated with Morenosite | NiSO4 · 7H2O |
| 2 photos of Nickelhexahydrite associated with Vajdakite | [(Mo6+O2)2(H2O)2As3+2O5] · 3H2O |
| 1 photo of Nickelhexahydrite associated with 'Pennine' | Mg5Al(AlSi3O10)(OH)8 |
| 1 photo of Nickelhexahydrite associated with Nesquehonite | MgCO3 · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.CB. | Sarvodaite | Al2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.02 | Voudourisite | CdSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szmikite | MnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Szomolnokite | FeSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Cobaltkieserite | CoSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Dwornikite | Ni(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Kieserite | MgSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Poitevinite | (Cu,Fe)SO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.05 | Gunningite | ZnSO4 · H2O |
| 7.CB.07 | Sanderite | MgSO4 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.10 | Bonattite | CuSO4 · 3H2O |
| 7.CB.12 | Belogubite | CuZn(SO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Drobecite | CdSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Aplowite | CoSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Cranswickite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Rozenite | FeSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Starkeyite | MgSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Ilesite | Mn2+(SO4) · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.15 | Boyleite | ZnSO4 · 4H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Siderotil | FeSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Jôkokuite | MnSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Pentahydrite | MgSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.20 | Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.25 | Chvaleticeite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Hexahydrite | Mg(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Bianchite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Moorhouseite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.25 | Ferrohexahydrite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) |
| 7.CB.30 | Retgersite | NiSO4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Zincmelanterite | Zn(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Melanterite | Fe2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Alpersite | (Mg,Cu2+)(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Bieberite | Co2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Boothite | Cu2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.35 | Mallardite | Mn2+(H2O)6(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Epsomite | MgSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Goslarite | ZnSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.40 | Morenosite | NiSO4 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Meta-alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 12H2O |
| 7.CB.45 | Alunogen | Al2(SO4)3 · 17H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Aluminocoquimbite | Al2Fe2(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.50 | Lazaridisite | Cd3(SO4)3 · 8H2O |
| 7.CB.52 | Pararaisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Paracoquimbite | Fe4(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Rhomboclase | (H5O2)Fe3+(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Raisaite | CuMg[Te6+O4(OH)2] · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.55 | Coquimbite | AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.57 | 'Caichengyunite' | Fe2+3Al2(SO4)6 · 30H2O |
| 7.CB.60 | Kornelite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 7H2O |
| 7.CB.65 | Quenstedtite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 11H2O |
| 7.CB.70 | Lausenite | Fe2(SO4)3 · 5H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Römerite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.75 | Lishizhenite | ZnFe2(SO4)4 · 14H2O |
| 7.CB.80 | Ransomite | CuFe2(SO4)4 · 6H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Dietrichite | ZnAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Halotrichite | Fe2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Apjohnite | Mn2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Redingtonite | Fe2+Cr3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Pickeringite | MgAl2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Bílinite | Fe2+Fe3+2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.85 | Wupatkiite | Co2+Al2(SO4)4 · 22H2O |
| 7.CB.90 | Meridianiite | MgSO4 · 11H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in water
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Nickelhexahydrite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2889.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
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References for Nickelhexahydrite
Reference List:
Association, International Mineralogical (1968) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 36 (284). 1143-1145 doi:10.1180/minmag.1968.036.284.11
Localities for Nickelhexahydrite
Showing 48 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Judy Rowe collection |
| Peter Eliott | |
Austria | |
| - (1994, July) |
| Exel (1993) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | |
| Bermanec et al. (2000) |
Canada | |
| Mielke (n.d.) |
Czech Republic | |
| 86. +2 other references |
| 70 (in German) +1 other reference |
DR Congo | |
| Paul De Bondt collection. |
Finland | |
| Karup-Moeller |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| |
| 54 +1 other reference |
| Schnorrer et al. (1998) |
| Der Aufschluss Vol.55 +1 other reference |
| Gerhard Möhn Collection Analyzed by ... |
| Witzke et al. (1997) |
Greece | |
| 90 (in German) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Antofilli et al. (1983) |
| Antofilli et al. (1983) | |
| SEM-EDAX |
| Artioli et al. (1990) |
| Brizzi et al. (1994) |
Japan | |
| Sanko-Gakkai Koen-Yoshi 27 (1989) |
Norway | |
| Rune S. Selbekk (2010) |
| Raade (1971) +1 other reference |
| Bergen Museum |
Russia | |
| Talovina et al. (2008) |
| Talovina et al. (2008) |
| Bortnikova et al. (2008) |
| Oleinikov B V et al. (1965) +1 other reference |
| Vereshchagin et al. (2025) |
| Chukanov et al. (2009) |
| Kasatkin et al. (2014) |
Slovakia | |
| Fehér B. et al. (2016) |
| Martin Števko-unpublished | |
Switzerland | |
| Romani (2000) +1 other reference |
| Romani (2000) +1 other reference | |
| Ansermet (2012) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Bracke (n.d.) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Bracke (n.d.) | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) | |
UK | |
| Prof P. Williams - unpublished data |
USA | |
| Howard (1987) +1 other reference |
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Rio Gerla, Tiglieto, Genoa, Liguria, Italy