Hingganite-(Ce) is a rare beryllium silicate mineral belonging to the gadolinite group, primarily found in complex granitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, pale tan, prismatic crystals and is prized by advanced mineral collectors for its complex chemistry and relative scarcity.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGadolinite Group family

Hingganite-(Ce)

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

Is this hingganite-(ce)?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gadolinite-(Y)

Mohs 6.5-7

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hingganite-(Ce) leaves white, Gadolinite-(Y) leaves greenish gray.

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hingganite-(Ce) leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Hingganite-(Ce) and submetallic on Allanite.

Compare →

Often found alongside hingganite-(ce)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ce,REE,Ca)₂□Be₂Si₂O₈(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 4.2-4.5 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None Detected
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites

Where rockhounds find hingganite-(ce)

Classic worldwide localities

Tahara, Ena-gun, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify hingganite-(ce)?+

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

Where is hingganite-(ce) found?+

Notable localities include Tahara, Ena-gun, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Is hingganite-(ce) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains rare earth elements and naturally occurring radioactive thorium or uranium impurities; handle with care and wash hands after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like hingganite-(ce)?+

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

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

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

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

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

What is hingganite-(ce) used for?+

Hingganite-(Ce) is used in collector.

Find hingganite-(ce) on the map

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