How do I identify Gadolinite?

Gadolinite can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Nearly black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Gadolinite?

Gadolinite typically appears in Nearly black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Gadolinite?

Gadolinite has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Gadolinite

A variety of Minerals

What is Gadolinite?

Gadolinite, sometimes known as ytterbite, is a silicate mineral consisting principally of the silicates of cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, yttrium, beryllium, and iron with the formula (Ce,La,Nd,Y)2FeBe2Si2O10. It is called gadolinite-(Ce) or gadolinite-(Y), depending on the prominent composing element (Y if yttrium predominates, and Ce if cerium). It may contain 35.5% yttria sub-group rare earths, 2.2% ceria earths, as much as to 11.6% BeO, and traces of thorium. It is found in Sweden, Norway, and the US (Texas and Colorado).

Uses & Applications

Gadolinite and euxenite are quite abundant and are future sources of yttrium sub group rare earths. At present, these elements are recovered from monazite concentrates (after recovery of ceria sub-group metals).

Gadolinite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Gadolinite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Gadolinite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Gadolinite

Gadolinite is fairly rare and typically occurs as well-formed crystals. It is nearly black in color and has a vitreous luster. The hardness is between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale, and the specific gravity is between 4.0 and 4.7. It fractures in a conchoidal pattern and streaks grayish-green. It was also thought to exhibit pyrognomic properties, as it can emit visible light when heated to relatively low temperatures, but the scientific consensus is that this is the product of thermoluminescence