Appearance Nickel is a silvery-white metal which is lustrous, malleable and ductile. It is capable of taking on a high polish. The minerals which contain the most nickel are garnierite and pentlandite. Uses Nickel is chiefly used in the making of alloys such as stainless steel. A copper-nickel alloy is extensively used in making desalination plants for converting sea water into fresh water.
Nickel steel is used for armour plate.
Nickel plate protects softer metals. Finely-divided nickel is used as a catalyst for hydrogenating vegetable oils, and nickel imparts a green colour to glass. The biological role of nickel is uncertain, but both the metal and nickel sulphide are considered to be carcinogenic. Nickel carbonyl is very toxic. General Information Nickel is very resistant to corrosion.