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Gaspeite is a rare mineral, with a distinct yellowish-apple-green to bright green color. It has recently become popular among both mineral and gemstone collectors. Gaspeite specimens may be polished or sliced into slabs when sold on the market. It usually has brownish veins of rock running through the mineral, which are pronounced in cut or polished specimens.
Gaspeite belongs to the calcite group of minerals, a group of related carbonates that are isomorphous with one another. They are similar in many physical properties, and may partially or fully replace one another, forming a solid solution series. All members of the calcite group crystallize in the trigonal system, have perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and exhibit strong double refraction in transparent rhombohedrons. |
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Chemical Formula |
(Ni,Mg,Fe)CO3 |
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Composition |
Carbonate of nickel, magnesium and iron |
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Color |
Pale green, apple-green, yellowish-green, bright green |
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Streak |
Yellow-green |
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Hardness |
4.5 - 5 |
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Crystal System |
Hexagonal |
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Rhombohedrons, as well as compact groups of scalenohedrons occur, although rarely. Mostly occurs as crusts, botryoidal, and as ball shaped aggregates. |
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Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
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Specific Gravity |
3.7 |
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Luster |
Vitreous to dull |
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Cleavage |
1,3 - rhombohedral |
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Fracture |
Uneven |
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Tenacity |
Brittle |
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Complex Tests |
Effervesces in hydrochloric acid |
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In Group |
Carbonates; Calcite Group |
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Striking Features |
Distinct color and mode of occurrence in nickel deposits |
| Environment |
In the oxidation zone of nickel deposits.
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| Rock Type |
Metamorphic |
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Popularity (1-4)
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2 |
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Prevalence (1-3)
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3 |
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Demand (1-3) |
1 |
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Gaspeite is a minor gemstone and is cut into cabochons and beads for jewelry.
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Gaspeite is a rare mineral with few notable occurrences. It is named after its original occurrence in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, Canada, where it is found in the Gaspé mine, Murdochville. It is found in Australia in Kambalda and Widgiemooltha, Western Australia; in Lavrion, Greece; the San Benedetto Mine, Iglesias, Sardinia, Italy; and in the Pafuri nickel deposit, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
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Distinct color and mode of occurence in nickel deposits
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