Nickel is found as a component in most meteorites and often serves as a criterion for distinguishing a meteorite from other minerals. The iron meteorites, or "siderites", may contain iron alloyed with from 5 to almost 20% of nickel. The 5-cent American coin (whose nickname is "nickel") contains only 25% of nickel. Nickel is a silvery white metal that takes a high shine.

Nickel is hard, malleable, ductile, somewhat 'ferromagnetic, and a fair conductor of electricity and heat. It is used by man for thousands of years (alloyed with iron and copper) but was isolated for the first time in 1751.

Nickel is a relatively abundant element constituting approximately 0.01% of the earth's crust. It is extracted from certain minerals limonite, Garnier (pictured), pentlandite and karmacite (a natural alloy of iron and nickel). The major deposits of nickel are found in Canada (30% approximately), Russia, Australia, Cuba and Indonesia.

The main use of nickel in the manufacture of steel: 65% of nickel is used for stainless steel, 12% for the remaining for other superalloys and steels and other products (including coins) .

The nickel in fine dust can ignite spontaneously on contact with air.

Ancient symbol of the nickel used by alchemists

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