The hafnate luminescence of hafnium compounds is described. Li2HfO3 and HfP2O7 emit in the UV spectral range. HfO2 and BaHfO3 do not luminesce. The hafnate absorption in these four compositions lies at higher energy than the zirconate absorption in the zirconium analogs. The Ti-doped materials and BaHfO3:Eu2+ are also investigated.