Where is Epidote found?
Ca2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)
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Open the appEpidote occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Epidote
Knappenwand, Untersulzbachtal, Salzburg, Austria
Renowned for producing some of the finest, large, gem-quality epidote crystals in the world, often associated with byssolite.
Prince of Wales Mine, Ketchikan, Alaska, USA
Known for excellent epidote crystals, often associated with quartz and other minerals in skarn deposits.
Serifos Island, Cyclades, Greece
Famous for its well-formed, often large, and aesthetically pleasing epidote crystals, frequently found in association with quartz.
Dauphiné Alps, France
Historically significant locality for epidote, producing good quality crystals.
Coquimbo Region, Chile
Occurs in various forms, including large masses and crystals, often in association with copper mineralization.
Collecting tips
- Target Metamorphic Terrains. Focus your search in areas known for regional or contact metamorphism, especially where mafic to intermediate igneous rocks or impure limestones have been subjected to greenschist facies conditions.
- Look for Hydrothermal Alteration. Investigate areas with evidence of hydrothermal activity, such as quartz veins, skarns, or altered igneous intrusions, particularly those associated with copper or other metallic mineralization.
- Identify Associated Minerals. Epidote often co-occurs with quartz, calcite, chlorite, actinolite, garnet, and plagioclase. Finding these minerals can indicate the presence of epidote.
- Observe Color and Crystal Habit. The distinctive pistachio-green color and prismatic crystal habit are key identifiers. Look for elongated, often striated crystals or granular aggregates within the host rock.
- Check for Cleavage. Examine broken surfaces for the characteristic perfect cleavage in one direction, which can appear as a step-like or splintery fracture.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Pistachio-green to yellowish-green
- Luster:
- Vitreous to resinous
- Streak:
- White to grayish-white
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