Hingganite-(Y) is a rare beryllium silicate mineral member of the gadolinite supergroup, typically found in complex granite pegmatites. Collectors usually seek it in small, well-formed prismatic crystals that often display a distinctive yellowish-green hue.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGadolinite Supergroup family

Hingganite-(Y)

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

Is this hingganite-(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 hingganite-(y) with a known reference. Hingganite-(Y) 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-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hingganite-(Y) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Hingganite-(Y) is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5-7 vs. 5-5.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside hingganite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Y₂Be₂(SiO₄)₂O(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.15-4.30 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find hingganite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Hinggan, Inner Mongolia, China
Tvedalen, Norway
Sweden
Canada

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify hingganite-(y)?+

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

Where is hingganite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Hinggan, Inner Mongolia, China; Tvedalen, Norway; Sweden; Canada.

How much is hingganite-(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 hingganite-(y) safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like hingganite-(y)?+

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

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

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

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

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

What is hingganite-(y) used for?+

Hingganite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find hingganite-(y) on the map

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