Ekanite |
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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. |
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Size:
5.1 x 4.5 mm
Weight: 0.12 grams; 0.6 ct. Activity: ca. 3,000 pCi (100 Bq) of Th-232 with all the members of the decay series in secular equilibrium. ca. 1,200 cpm above background with a pancake GM. |
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