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
Transparency
Translucent
Is this ekebergite?
4-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch ekebergite with a known reference. Ekebergite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellow, greenish.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ThFeNb₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, columnar, or coarse 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
Where it forms: metamorphic limestone, skarns, and gneiss. If you start seeing mendig, laacher see, eifel in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, columnar, or coarse prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ekebergite?+
Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: vitreous. 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?+
Ekebergite contains uranium or thorium and calls for real care. Contains thorium and is radioactive; store it apart from other specimens. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.
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 Mendig, Laacher See, Eifel, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does ekebergite form in?+
Where it forms: 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.
