Properties
Mineral group: Ekanite
Chemistry: Ca2Th(Si8O20)
Color: Green, yellow-green, brownish
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Mohs Scale hardness: 6 to 6.5
Refractive index: 1.593 to 1.596
Birefringence: 0.001
Specific gravity: 3.28 to 3.32
Information
Possibilities for Confusion
Can possibly be mistaken for Tourmaline. Due to its high level of radioactivity it is easy to distinguish from other gemstones.
Instruments for ID
Instruments for detection of radioactivity.
Deposits
Deposits are found in Ehiliyagoda, Ratnapura District of the Sarabaraganuwa province in Sri Lanka. It is also found in the Dawson Mining District in the Tombstone mountains of Canada.
Miscellaneous
Ekanite is highly radioactive and must always be stored in a safe way. It is named in 1961 after F.L.D. Ekanayake who discovered the gemstone in 1953 in Sri Lanka.
Read and learn about Ekanite
Ekanite in healing
Ekanite is an unusual and powerful crystal with interesting energy properties in healing, but it is also important to note that it is a naturally radioactive stone. Because of this, it should be used with caution and for short periods of time if you want to tap into its energies.
Read/Learn more about Ekanite - Healing Properties
