Hingganite-(Nd) is a rare beryllium silicate mineral belonging to the gadolinite group, named after its type locality in the Hinggan Mountains. It typically forms as small, brownish prismatic crystals in alkaline pegmatites and is highly sought after by advanced collectors for its distinct REE-rich composition.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGadolinite Group family

Hingganite-(Nd)

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this hingganite-(nd)?

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 hingganite-(nd) with a known reference. Hingganite-(Nd) sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hingganite-(Nd) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hingganite-(Nd) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Hingganite-(Nd) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside hingganite-(nd)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: ☐Be₂(Nd,Ca,REE)₂(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.4-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish-brown Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find hingganite-(nd)

Classic worldwide localities

Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia, China
Tvedalen, Norway
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hingganite-(nd) typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, aegirine 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 hingganite-(nd)?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-brown, brown, black.

Where is hingganite-(nd) found?+

Notable localities include Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia, China; Tvedalen, Norway; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is hingganite-(nd) worth?+

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

Is hingganite-(nd) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium and other radioactive elements. Store in a shielded container and wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent ingestion of radioactive dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hingganite-(nd)?+

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

What minerals are found with hingganite-(nd)?+

Hingganite-(Nd) commonly co-occurs with Albite, Microcline, Aegirine, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hingganite-(nd) form in?+

Hingganite-(Nd) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hingganite-(nd) used for?+

Hingganite-(Nd) is used in collector.

Find hingganite-(nd) on the map

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