Metals & Alloys · common
Nickel
Nickel is a hard silvery metal used in plating, coins, stainless steel, batteries, magnets, jewelry alloys, and industrial alloys.
Also known as: Nickel plating, Nickel alloy, Ni.
Nickel properties at a glance
| Type | Metals & Alloys |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | Ni |
| Mohs hardness | 4 |
| Luster | metallic |
| Streak | Gray |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Ductile to uneven |
| Specific gravity | 8.9 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Silver, Gray, Slightly yellow silver |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Nickel is refined from nickel-bearing ores and then used as pure metal, plating, or as an alloying element in many manufactured materials.
Nickel became important for coinage, plating, stainless steel, batteries, and high-performance alloys.
How to identify Nickel
- Look for a silvery metal with a slightly warm gray cast.
- Nickel plating can be bright and smooth on hardware or jewelry.
- Nickel can be magnetic in some forms.
- Common objects include coins, plated hardware, batteries, and alloy parts.
Full Nickel identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Nickel vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Nickel.
Where Nickel is found
Nickel is manufactured, refined, recycled, or traded worldwide; verify grade, purity, and origin from markings, documentation, or provenance when available.
How much is Nickel worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $1 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $15 |
| Premium specimen | $120+ |
Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
Common uses
- Plating
- Coins
- Stainless steel
- Batteries
- Jewelry alloys
Interesting facts
- Nickel is used in many stainless steels and superalloys.
- Nickel plating gives objects a bright, corrosion-resistant surface.
- Some people develop skin irritation from nickel-containing jewelry or metal parts.
Care & safety
Nickel can scratch, dent, tarnish, corrode, or lose its surface finish depending on the alloy, coating, and use wear.
Skin sensitivity. Nickel can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions for some people, especially in jewelry or worn metal parts.
Nickel FAQ
What is Nickel?
Nickel is a hard silvery metal used in plating, coins, stainless steel, batteries, magnets, jewelry alloys, and industrial alloys.
How much is Nickel worth?
Entry-level Nickel specimens sell for around $1, a typical collector specimen for about $15, and premium pieces for $120 or more. Value depends mostly on the object, purity or alloy grade, weight, brand, condition, markings, and whether it is jewelry, hardware, a coin, a tool, or a raw material sample.
How hard is Nickel?
Nickel has a Mohs hardness of 4. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
What is Nickel used for?
Nickel is used for plating, coins, stainless steel, batteries, and jewelry alloys.
