How do I identify Violarite?

Violarite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale, Violet gray color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Violarite?

Violarite typically appears in Violet gray, copper red, light gray, or steel gray. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Violarite?

Violarite has a hardness of 4.5 - 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Violarite

A variety of Minerals

What is Violarite?

Violarite (FeNi2S4) is a supergene sulfide mineral associated with the weathering and oxidation of primary pentlandite nickel sulfide ore minerals. Violarite crystallises in the isometric system, with a hardness of 4.5 to 5.5 and a specific gravity of about 4, is dark violet grey to copper-red, often with verdigris and patina from associated copper and arsenic sulfides, and is typically in amorphous to massive infill of lower saprolite ultramafic lithologies. Violarite has a characteristic violet colour, hence the name from the Latin 'violaris' alluding to its colour especially when viewed in polished section under a microscope.

Violarite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Violarite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Violarite Localities Map

See where Violarite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Violarite

Violarite is reported widely from the oxidised regolith above primary nickel sulfide ore systems worldwide. It is of particular note from the Mount Keith dunite body, Western Australia, where it forms an important ore mineral. It is also reported from open cast mines around the Kambalda Dome, and Widgiemooltha Dome, in association with polydymite, gaspeite, widgiemoolthalite and hellyerite, among other supergene nickel minerals.