Nikkelien

Nikkelien is a rare and valuable mineral that is primarily composed of nickel and iron, with smaller amounts of other elements such as sulfur and arsenic. It is typically found in ultramafic rocks, which are igneous rocks rich in magnesium and iron, and is often associated with other nickel-bearing minerals such as pentlandite and pyrrhotite. Nikkelien is known for its distinctive metallic luster and its ability to tarnish in air, which can give it a dull appearance over time.

The mineral was first described in 1845 by the German mineralogist Karl Friedrich August Rammelsberg, who named it after the Greek word "nikkelos," meaning "devil's ore," due to its association with the mineral pentlandite, which was also known as "devil's ore." Nikkelien is an important source of nickel, a metal that is used in a wide range of applications, including stainless steel, coins, and batteries.

Nikkelien is typically found in deposits that are mined for their nickel content, and is often extracted using traditional mining methods such as open-pit or underground mining. The mineral is then processed to extract the nickel, which is then used in a variety of industrial applications. Despite its rarity and the challenges associated with its extraction, nikkelien remains an important source of nickel for the global economy.