Outstanding green crystals of the very rare nickel mineral nullaginite from the famous mine of 132 North mine (Widgiemooltha, Western Australia, Australia), famous for its paragenesis of nickel minerals. R.J.Reeve collection. — Photo: David Hospital · CC BY-SA 4.0
Nullaginite
Nullaginite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the carbonate class, with the chemical formula Ni₂(CO₃)(OH)₂.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. It is a member of the Malachite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 3.56; Dull, claylike, silky in cross-vein fibers luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Nlg, IMA status: approved, named in 1978.
A rare mineral formed in the oxidation zone of nickel-rich hydrothermal ore deposits.
It is found associated with Magnesian pecoraite, gaspéite, magnetite, “chlorite”, nickeloan serpentine (Otway deposit, Australia).
The name refers to the Nullagine district, Western Australia, in which the mineral was first found.