Ekebergite is a thorium iron niobium oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from the "In den Dellen" pumice quarry, Eifel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonScapolite Group family

Ekebergite

Ekebergite is a thorium iron niobium oxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2018. It was first described from the "In den Dellen" pumice quarry, Eifel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this ekebergite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch ekebergite with a known reference. Ekebergite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ekebergite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ekebergite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellow, greenish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, columnar, or coarse prismatic.

Often confused with

Ekebergite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Quartz

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 5-6).

Compare →

Often found alongside ekebergite

Minerals reported to co-occur with ekebergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: ThFeNb₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Colors: White Gray Yellow Greenish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Columnar, Or Coarse Prismatic
Cleavage: Distinct Prismatic
Fluorescence: Sometimes Yellow or Orange Under UV
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Study
Host rock: Metamorphic Limestone, Skarns, And Gneiss

Where rockhounds find ekebergite

Classic worldwide localities

"In den Dellen" pumice quarry, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic limestone, skarns, and gneiss country, the host setting where ekebergite typically forms. If you start seeing pyroxene, amphibole, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, columnar, or coarse prismatic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ekebergite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellow, greenish.

Where is ekebergite found?+

Notable localities include "In den Dellen" pumice quarry, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.

Is ekebergite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium and is radioactive; store it apart from other specimens. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ekebergite?+

Ekebergite is most often confused with Quartz. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ekebergite?+

Ekebergite commonly co-occurs with Pyroxene, Amphibole, Garnet, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ekebergite form in?+

Ekebergite typically forms in metamorphic limestone, skarns, and gneiss. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ekebergite used for?+

Ekebergite is used in collector, mineralogical study.

Find ekebergite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.