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Most Ekanite comes from Sri Lanka,
but deposits have also been found in Canada and Russia. Gem quality Ekanite
is relatively uncommon. As a rule, Ekanite gemstones are green but there are
also yellow and red varieties.
Chemically, it is ThCa2Si8O20 (by
weight, approximately 30% thorium). On the Moh's hardness scale it ranks 6
to 6.5.
The rather noticeable radioactivity of the stone is due to its thorium
content. Over time, the Ekanite will deteriorate as a result of the damage
caused to the crystalline lattice by the alpha emissions. |
