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

Transparent

mineralrareWöhlerite Group family

Hainite-(Y)

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

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. Hainite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hainite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
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.

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: (Na,Ca)₂(Y,Ca,Ce)₂(Si₂O₇)(F,OH,O)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.35-3.45 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find hainite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Böhmen, Czech Republic
Langesundsfjord, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hainite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hainite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange, colorless.

Where is hainite-(y) found?+

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

How much is hainite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is hainite-(y) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains yttrium and other rare earth elements; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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?+

Hainite-(Y) typically forms in 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.