08/31/2026
Ekanite is a rare semi-precious gemstone known for its unique composition and optical effects. Ekanite can display some stunning optical phenomena, such as Tyndall scattering (one of the rarest optical gemstone phenomena, Tyndall scattering is when small suspended particles scatter a beam of light, like seeing dust particles floating in a beam of sunlight). Chatoyancy (Chatoyancy is when a gemstone displays one or more beams of reflected light on its surface due to thin, parallel inclusions). The most popular type, sometimes seen in ekanite, is a single ray of reflected light dubbed the “cat’s eye” effect). And Asterism (Asterism is when a gemstone displays a multi-rayed, reflected “star” on its surface. The star can have 4, 6, 8, or even 12 rays. Most star (or “asteriated”) ekanites have 4-ray stars, though some have 6- or 8-ray stars). In fact, the very first ekanite ever found displayed asterism! Many ekanites are quite similar to kornerupine in color, shape, and other properties & both gemstones can also display asterism! As one of the few radioactive gemstones, ekanite’s main uses are for studying the effects of radioactive decay on minerals. The first person to discover ekanite was Francis Leo Danvis Ekanayake, when in 1953, he bought two dark green, asteriated cabochons from a market in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The top source for ekanites is Sri Lanka. Gem-quality ekanites come from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Canada. Canada has produced both metamict and non-metamict ekanites. Ekanite minerals are usually found as water-worn pebbles in gem gravels and placer deposits. They can also be found in ejecta from volcanoes and glacial erratic syenite boulders. As a primarily green healing stone, ekanite’s spiritual meaning reflects the rejuvenating properties of other green gemstones. It’s also used as a heart chakra healing stone. It is not advised to wear as jewelry but is not dangerous if handled properly!
