Nickel(II) chloride (or just nickel chloride) is the chemical compound NiCl₂. The anhydrous salt is yellow, but the more familiar hydrate NiCl₂·6H₂O is green. Nickel(II) chloride, in various forms, is the most important source of nickel for chemical synthesis. The nickel chlorides are deliquescent, absorbing moisture from the air to form a solution. Nickel salts have been shown to be carcinogenic to the lungs and nasal passages in cases of long-term inhalation exposure.