Hingganite-(Yb) is a very rare beryllium silicate mineral belonging to the gadolinite group, distinguished by its high ytterbium content. Collectors typically look for small, sharp, prismatic crystals occurring within alkaline pegmatites or hydrothermal veins associated with rare-earth element deposits.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGadolinite Group family

Hingganite-(Yb)

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

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Is this hingganite-(yb)?

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-(yb) with a known reference. Hingganite-(Yb) 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-(Yb) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hingganite-(Yb) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow, brownish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hingganite-(Yb) and adamantine on Zircon.

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Often found alongside hingganite-(yb)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Yb₂Be₂Si₂O₁₀
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.57 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow Brownish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Study
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 for small crystals

Where rockhounds find hingganite-(yb)

Classic worldwide localities

Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia, China
Tvedalen, Norway
Zagi Mountains, Pakistan

Field-hunting tip

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

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

Where is hingganite-(yb) found?+

Notable localities include Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia, China; Tvedalen, Norway; Zagi Mountains, Pakistan.

How much is hingganite-(yb) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for small crystals. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like hingganite-(yb)?+

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

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

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

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

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

What is hingganite-(yb) used for?+

Hingganite-(Yb) is used in collector, scientific study.

Find hingganite-(yb) on the map

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