Rare Mineral Ekanite

Ekanite is named in 1961 after F.L.D. Ekanayake, discoverer of the mineral in 1953 in Sri Lanka. The material was dark, dull green, but when it was polished as cabochons it revealed a four-rayed star. The specimen was found to be metamict and radioactive.

Ekanite occurs in poorly formed prismatic crystals of straw-yellow colour when pure, sometimes dark red or brown colour, which is caused by inclusions.

Radioactivity limits the use of Ekanite as a gemstone, all specimens should be stored with great care. Cut stones have weight up to 25 carats.