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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
