Millerite

Millerite is a popular mineral composed of nickel sulfide. ^[1]

Millerite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Millerite:

• Transparency: Millerite is opaque.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, millerite can be hexagonal or trigonal.
• Luster: In terms of luster, millerite is metallic.
• Streak: Millerite streaks black, greenish or greenish black.
• Hardness: Millerite's hardness ranges from 3 to 3.5 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Millerite's specific gravity ranges from 5.3 to 5.6.

Millerite: Background and Summary

Millerite is a mineral that belongs to the nickel family, and it is a sulfide mineral. It has a metallic luster and is typically found in a brass-yellow color. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. Millerite is typically found in small, needle-like crystals that form in clusters or aggregates. It is often associated with other sulfide minerals such as pyrite and chalcopyrite.

One of the easiest ways to identify millerite is by its color and metallic luster. It is also quite distinctive in its habit, forming needle-like crystals that are often arranged in clusters or aggregates. Millerite can often be found in association with other minerals, which can help with identification. However, it is important to note that millerite can be easily confused with other minerals, such as pyrite or chalcopyrite, so it is important to have a good understanding of the characteristics of each mineral before attempting to identify them.

Millerite has several uses, although it is not commonly used in industry. It is sometimes used as a source of nickel, as it contains a relatively high percentage of this metal. It is also sometimes used in jewelry, although it is not a particularly popular gemstone due to its softness and relative rarity. Some collectors also collect millerite specimens, as they are quite distinctive and can be quite beautiful when properly displayed.