Hafnon

A variety of Minerals

Hafnon specimen

What is Hafnon?

Hafnon is a hafnium nesosilicate mineral, chemical formula (Hf,Zr)SiO4 or (Hf,Zr,Th,U,Y)SiO4. In natural zircon ZrSiO4 part of the zirconium is replaced by the very similar hafnium and so natural zircon is never pure ZrSiO4. A zircon with 100% hafnium substitution can be made synthetically and is hafnon. Hafnon occurs as transparent red to red orange tetragonal crystals with a hardness of 7.5. Hafnon occurs naturally in tantalum-bearing granite pegmatites in the Zambezia district, Mozambique and in weathered pegmatites at Mount Holland, Western Australia. It has also been reported from locations in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba, Canada; North Carolina, United States; and in Zimbabwe.

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Hafnon before comparing listings or appraisals.

Size & Weight

Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.

Rarity & Demand

Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.

Condition & Finish

Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.

Treatment & Provenance

Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Hafnon Localities Map

See where Hafnon is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Red-orange, brown-yellow, colourless (rare)
Hardness (Mohs)
7.5
Density
6.97 g/cm³

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
HfSiO4
Elements
Hf, O, Si
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Hafnon FAQs

How do I identify Hafnon?

Hafnon can be identified by its hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale, Red-orange color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Hafnon?

Hafnon typically appears in Red-orange, brown-yellow, colourless (rare). Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Hafnon?

Hafnon has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.

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