It commonly occurs in all types of soils, and in rocks and underwater sediments.
Nickel combines easily with other metals to form mixtures called alloys.
For example, nickel mixed with steel forms stainless steel, a common alloy that resists rust and corrosion. Nickel and its alloys are also used in batteries, spark plugs, electrical resistance wires, metal jewelry, cookware, and textile dyes. Small amounts of nickel are present in oil and coal. When electric utilities burn these fuels at their power plants, nickel is released and forms compounds such as nickel oxide, nickel sulfate, nickel chloride, and nickel sulfide. Most of this nickel is carried by particles of ash.