Hafnon: The mineral Hafnon information and pictures

About

Hafnon is isomorphous with the mineral Zircon. It is almost identical to Zircon in physical properties, and occurs together with it. Thought to be Zircon, it is rarely identified separately when found. Because of this, Hafnon is hardly known to mineral collectors, and in reality it is much more prevalent than perceived. The name Hafnon is derived from a combination of the words hafnium and Zircon.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

As short, stubby crystals, and as prismatic crystals. Crystals are almost always terminated with a pyramidal termination, and are sometimes doubly terminated. Also grainy and as rounded, waterworn pebbles.

Striking Features

Crystal shape and weight

Environment

In rare earth granite pegmatites and in placer deposits.

Uses

Although Hafnon is not a well-known mineral, it often occurs together with Zircon rich in hafnium, and is thus an ore of the rare metal hafnium.

Noteworthy Localities

Hafnon occurs in every locality where there exists hafnium-rich Zircon. Since Hafnon is almost identical in physical and chemical properties to Zircon, it is rarely distinguished from it. The type locality for Hafnon is Alto Ligonha, Zambezia Province, Mozambique, where it has been found at several pegmatites at the Muiane Mine. Chestnut-colored Hafnon crystals have been found in the Naque region in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Common Mineral Associations

Zircon, Monazite, Xenotime, Albite, Quartz, Biotite, Orthoclase, Nepheline

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Zircon - Cannot be identified without complex tests.
Vesuvianite - Softer (6½), lighter in weight.
Cassiterite - Heavier, softer.
Spinel - Occurs in octahedral crystals, lighter in weight (3.5 - 4.1).

Abouti

Crystal Forms & Aggregatesi

Striking Featuresi

Environmenti

Usesi

Noteworthy Localitiesi

Common Mineral Associationsi

Distinguishing Similar Mineralsi