All members of the Nickeline Group share this basic structure, but with their own combination of elements of course. Nickeline is not exactly a common mineral, but is found with other nickel and cobalt sulfide ores and thus it is included with them when mined for their various ores. This makes nickeline a minor ore of nickel and commercially important is some localities. The sulfides are usually hydrothermal in origin, although nickeline is also found in basic igneous rocks such as gabbros. Although crystals of nickeline are very scarce, some formations of nickeline can be attractive and an interesting addition to someone's collection.
Color is copper-red to pink.
Luster is metallic. Crystals are opaque. Crystal Habits are limited to mostly massive and granular components of massive hydrothermal sulfide rocks and gabbros, but a few localities have produced good pyramidal or tabular crystals. Columnar and reniform habits are also seen. Rare fourling twins are also seen.