Gemstone Glossary

Ekanite

Ekanite is another of several minerals that occur in a beautiful green color. A rare mineral, Ekanite was discovered in 1953 in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), and was mistakenly described as a new type of gemstone. In 1961, it was announced as a new metamict mineral. Today, gem-quality Ekanite is occasionally found at Eheliyageda in Sri Lanka.


Ekanite is a radioactive, however not hazardous, mineral composed of calcium sodium potassium thorium silicate (ThCa2Si8O20). It ranks 6 - 6.5 on the Moh’s hardness scale with a Refractive Index of 1.57, and a Specific Gravity of 3.3. Crystals of Ekanite are translucent and vitreous. Apart from the typical green, Ekanite also occurs in yellow and dark red colors.

Ekanite specimens from Sri Lanka sometimes reveal a weak four-rayed star, but this phenomena is quite rare. The star form of Ekanite is considered one of the rarest gemstones available on the market today. In 1985 a beautiful 161.04 carat Ekanite cabochon displaying a unique eight-rayed star was found and cut in Sri Lanka. It is considered to be a one-of-a-kind specimen.

Ekanite is also found in Mt St. Hilaire and Rouville Co., Quebec, Canada. In Siberia, Russia, it has been found at several locations: Yakutia, Aldan Shield Torgo river basin, Davan and Murun massif.

Ekanite is a very rare type that it not widely known to the general public. As rarer stones are more highly prized than more common varieties, Ekanite specimens can command quite high prices on the market. Especially those with vivid green coloring and nice luster.