Garnierite

Garnierite is a mineral composed of hydrous nickel silicates a member of the serpentine group with formula: (Ni,Mg)₃Si₂O₅(OH). Népouite is a synonym. Garnierite, [1] File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Garnierite, [1] File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological processes. ... General Name, Symbol, Number nickel, Ni, 28 Chemical series transition metals Group, Period, Block 10 , 4, d Density, Hardness 8908 kg/m³, 4. ... The silicate minerals make up the the largest and most important class of rock-forming minerals. ... Serpentine Serpentine is a group of common rock-forming hydrous magnesium iron phyllosilicate ((Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4) minerals. ...

Garnierite is important as a source of nickel and is mined from laterite deposits which are formed by intense weathering and secondary enrichment of ultramafic igneous rocks. Laterite is a red-colored clay rich soil found in the tropics and subtropics. ... Weathering is the process of decomposition and/or disintegration of rocks in situ, that is, in place. ... Ultramafic rocks are igneous rocks with very low silica content (less than 45%) and are composed of usually greater than 90% mafic minerals (dark colored, high magnesium and iron content). ... Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies, with or without crystallization, either below the surface as intrusive (plutonic) rocks or on the surface as extrusive (volcanic) rocks. ...