Kambaldaite
A variety of Minerals
What is Kambaldaite?
Kambaldaite, NaNi4(CO3)3(OH)3·3H2O, is an extremely rare hydrated sodium nickel carbonate mineral described from gossanous material associated with Kambalda type komatiitic nickel ore deposits at Kambalda, Western Australia, and Widgie Townsite nickel gossan, Widgiemooltha, Western Australia. Kambaldaite crystallizes in the hexagonal system, is light green to blue, and forms drusy to mammilla encrustations on the matrix. Kambaldaite was first described in 1985 from the gossan of the Otter Shoot nickel orebody, Kambalda, during mining of the gossans material. Kambaldaite, though in lesser and rarer amount, is also found in the Widgiemooltha nickel gossans, probably discovered there in the early to mid-1990s.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Kambaldaite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Kambaldaite Localities Map
See where Kambaldaite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Kambaldaite
Kambaldaite is associated with goethite, malachite, annabergite, gaspeite and magnesite in the nickel sulfide gossans of Kambalda and Widgiemooltha. It is not known from other nickel sulfide gossans within the Yilgarn Craton, potentially due to many of these existing within areas of laterite cover, deeper regolith development, or less favorable rainfall conditions. Kambaldaite has not reported from the Tasmanian or New South Wales nickel carbonate occurrences because it is a supergene carbonate mineral and not a hydrothermal mineral. Kambaldaite is also reported from the Inn valley, North Tyrol, Austria, and from Linopolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Quick Facts
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- NaNi4(CO3)3(OH)3 · 3H2O
- Elements
- C, H, Na, Ni, O
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Kambaldaite FAQs
What is the formation of kambaldaite of Kambaldaite?
Kambaldaite is associated with goethite, malachite, annabergite, gaspeite and magnesite in the nickel sulfide gossans of Kambalda and Widgiemooltha. It is not known from other nickel sulfide gossans within the Yilgarn Craton, potentially due to many of these existing within areas of laterite cover, deeper regolith development, or less favorable rainfall conditions. Kambaldaite has not reported from the Tasmanian or New South Wales nickel carbonate occurrences because it is a supergene carbonate mineral and not a hydrothermal mineral. Kambaldaite is also reported from the Inn valley, North Tyrol, Austria, and from Linopolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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