Psammothidium nivale is distinguished from other Psammothidium species by coarser striae and areolae on the rapheless valve as compared to the raphe valve. It resembles P. daonense by the rhomboid shape of the axial area on the rapheless valve and valve size and shape, but can be distinguished by the coarse striae and areolae on rapheless valve. In the SEM, the transapically elongate areolae resemble those of P. subatomoides, but P. nivale is distinguished more elongated shape and larger size of the valve, and a lower stria and areola density.