Hainite-(Y) is a rare sorosilicate mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous rocks like nepheline syenites. Collectors typically look for its characteristic prismatic, often yellowish-brown crystals embedded in complex pegmatite matrixes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareWöhlerite Group family

Hainite-(Y)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this hainite-(y)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch hainite-(y) with a known reference. Hainite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Hainite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Wöhlerite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hainite-(Y) leaves white, Wöhlerite leaves pale yellow.

Compare →

Often found alongside hainite-(y)

Minerals reported to co-occur with hainite-(y). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(CaY)Na(NaCa)Ti(Si₂O₇)₂(OF)F₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.35-3.45 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: {110} , rather perfect; 100 , faint
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: nepheline syenite pegmatites

Where rockhounds find hainite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Böhmen, Czech Republic
Langesundsfjord, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: nepheline syenite pegmatites. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hainite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange, colorless.

Where is hainite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Böhmen, Czech Republic; Langesundsfjord, Norway.

Is hainite-(y) safe to handle?+

Contains yttrium and other rare earth elements; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of dust.

What rocks look like hainite-(y)?+

Hainite-(Y) is most often confused with Wöhlerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with hainite-(y)?+

Hainite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Eudialyte, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hainite-(y) form in?+

Where it forms: nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hainite-(y) used for?+

Hainite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find hainite-(y) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.