Ekanite | Gemopedia

Ekanite is found in various shades ranging from dark yellow to deep green. It is one of the rare gemstones that is naturally radioactive, and should be handled with care. Internal radioactivity results in ekanite's metamictization, or the degradation of its crystal structure. This results in the very slow, gradual lowering of its refractive index, hardness and specific gravity.
Colors
Dark Green, Yellow, Brown

Ekanite Classification

Common Name

Ekanite

Species

Ekanite

Variety

Colors

Dark Green, Yellow, Brown

Alternate Names

Gemstone Groups

Key Separations

RI, birefringence, SR nature, appearence

Comments

Ekanite is radioactive. Stones rarely display a 4 rayed star.

Ekanite Optical Properties

Transparency

Transparent - Translucent

Refractive Index

1.572-1.573

Birefringence

0.001

Optic Character

Uniaxial

Optic Sign

Negative

Polariscope Reaction

Singly Refractive (SR)

Fluorescence

SWUV:
LWUV:

CCF Reaction

Pleochroism

Unobservable

Dispersion

Comments

Ekanite Chemistry & Crystallography

Chemical Name

calcium thorium silicate

Chemical Formula

(Th,U)(Ca,Fe,Pb)2Si8O20

Synthesis

Crystal System

Tetragonal

Classification

Silicate

Nature

Natural

Crystallinity

Crystalline to Aggregate

Comments

Ekanite Characteristic Physical Properties

Hardness

4.5-6.5

Streak

White

Specific Gravity

3.28-3.32 Typical:3.28

Toughness

Fair

Inclusions

Luster

Vitreous

Stability

Fracture

Uneven

Cleavage

None

Comments

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