The facts
What ekanite actually is
Mineralogically, ekanite is thorium calcium silicate — ThCa₂Si₈O₂₀, crystallising in the tetragonal, usually metamict system.
The colour is caused by green to yellow-green from trace Fe and from radiation damage to the structure. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.593–1.599, and the specific gravity sits near 3.28–3.32; cleavage is none; conchoidal fracture.
Where ekanite comes from
The recognised sources are Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka, Tombstone Mountains, Yukon, Canada and Mogok, Myanmar.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How ekanite is treated
Untreated but genuinely radioactive: ekanite is a thorium silicate and is not a stone to wear or keep loose in a pocket. Store it shielded and handle it as a labelled radioactive specimen. It sometimes shows a four-rayed star.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What ekanite is confused with
The usual confusions are Peridot, Green zircon, Moldavite and Glass.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.593–1.599 and specific gravity 3.28–3.32 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What ekanite is used for
Ekanite is bought by mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage none; conchoidal fracture. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What ekanite costs
Indicative pricing for ekanite is Faceted stones 80–400 USD/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is ekanite treated, and how?
Untreated but genuinely radioactive: ekanite is a thorium silicate and is not a stone to wear or keep loose in a pocket. Store it shielded and handle it as a labelled radioactive specimen. It sometimes shows a four-rayed star.
Where does ekanite come from?
Ratnapura, Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka, Tombstone Mountains, Yukon, Canada and Mogok, Myanmar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is ekanite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does ekanite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones 80–400 USD/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is ekanite confused with?
Most often Peridot, Green zircon, Moldavite and Glass. A refractive index of 1.593–1.599 and a specific gravity near 3.28–3.32 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for ekanite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about ekanite