Appearance
Nickel is a silvery - white metal which is lustrous, malleable and ductile. It is capable of taking a high polish.

Source
Nickel is mainly found in the minerals Garnierite and Pentlandite. About 30% of these minerals are found in Ontario, Canada.

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 in to fresh water.

Nickel Steel is used as amour plate.

Nickel is used in coins - the US five cent piece is 25% Nickel and 75% Copper. 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.

General Information
Nickel is very resistant to corrosion. It is soluble in all acids except concentrated Nitirc Acid, and is not affected by alkalis. It is a fair conductor of heat and electricity.

Both the metal and Nickel sulphide are considered to be carcinogenic. Nickel carbonyl is very toxic.