Where is Quartz with Epidote found?
SiO2 (Quartz) with Ca2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH) (Epidote)
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Open the appQuartz with Epidote 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 Quartz with Epidote
Austria
Significant occurrences of well-formed epidote crystals, often associated with quartz, particularly in the Knappenwand area.
Pakistan
Known for high-quality epidote specimens, sometimes found with quartz.
United States
Various localities, including California (e.g., Sierra Nevada), Alaska, and North Carolina, where metamorphic and hydrothermal environments are prevalent.
Mexico
Occurrences in mining districts where hydrothermal alteration has taken place.
Norway
Epidote is found in various metamorphic terrains.
Collecting tips
- Geological Context. Look in areas known for regional or contact metamorphism, especially where calcium-rich rocks have been altered. Hydrothermal vein systems are also good targets.
- Associated Minerals. Often found with other metamorphic minerals such as actinolite, garnet, chlorite, and various feldspars.
- Visual Identification. Search for clear or milky quartz specimens containing distinctive pistachio-green to dark-green inclusions or intergrowths of prismatic or acicular crystals.
- Hardness Test. Quartz (7 on Mohs) will scratch glass. Epidote (6-7 on Mohs) will also scratch glass, but may be slightly softer than quartz.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Clear to milky white (quartz) with pistachio-green to dark-green (epidote) inclusions/intergrowths.
- Luster:
- Vitreous.
- Streak:
- White (quartz), grayish-white (epidote).
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