Népouite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameNépouite
Chemical Formula(Ni,Mg)₃(Si₂O₅)(OH)₄
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Streak Colorpale green
Cleavageperfect on {001}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsgreen, yellowish-green, apple-green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityNépoui Mine, Poya, North Province, New Caledonia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesnickel ore, collector
Associated Mineralsgarnierite, chromite, serpentine group minerals
Rarityuncommon
Description
The specimen is a rough, massive aggregate of a vibrant apple-green to yellowish-green mineral, exhibiting a somewhat dull to waxy luster and a finely granular or platy texture.
Geological Context
Népouite is a secondary nickel-rich serpentine mineral formed by the hydrothermal alteration and weathering of ultramafic rocks, such as peridotites, in lateritic nickel deposits.
