Transition metal, group 4
What is hafnium? Properties, uses, supply and price
Hafnium (Hf) is a transition metal (atomic number 72) separated from zirconium, used mainly in superalloys and nuclear control rods. USGS publishes no world hafnium production or reserve figure.
Facts from USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 · reviewed 28 October 2026
Hafnium key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol, atomic number | Hf, 72 |
| Group | Transition metal, group 4 |
| Main source | Zircon and baddeleyite (with zirconium) |
| Largest use | Superalloys |
| Leading exporters of unwrought hafnium | China and Germany |
| World zirconium concentrate output, 2025 | About 1 million t, down 12% |
Where hafnium comes from
Always found with zirconium
Hafnium resources are associated with those of zircon and baddeleyite and cannot be mined alone. Zirconium metal and hafnium metal are made from zirconium chemical intermediates by one producer in Oregon and one in Utah. World zirconium mineral concentrate output fell 12% to about 1 million tonnes in 2025.
What hafnium is used for
| End use | Weight | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Superalloys | Leading use | Jet-engine and gas-turbine components |
| Nuclear control rods | Established | Hafnium metal absorbs neutrons; alternatives include boron and cadmium-silver-indium |
| Semiconductors | Growing | Hafnium oxide as gate dielectric in advanced chips |
Substitutes and recycling
Substitutes
Boron or cadmium-silver-indium alloys can replace hafnium in nuclear control rods, and zirconium can substitute in certain superalloys (USGS).
Recycling
Hafnium metal recycling is minimal.
Policy and supply security
Trade exposure
US unwrought hafnium imports in 2021–24 came from Germany (54%), China (21%), France (12%) and the United Kingdom (8%). Hafnium is not in the Chinese export-control announcements we track.
Dated events and export-control steps are on the China export-control timeline.
Hafnium: frequently asked questions
What is hafnium used for?
The leading use is superalloys for jet engines and gas turbines. It is also used in nuclear control rods and as hafnium oxide in advanced semiconductor gate dielectrics.
How is hafnium made?
It is separated from zirconium during the production of nuclear-grade zirconium metal, because the two elements occur together in zircon.
How much does hafnium cost?
The reference price is $9,609.37 per kg as of 27 October 2026, +1.15% year to date.
Related elements
Sources
Information only, not investment advice. Reviewed 28 October 2026.