Epidote

Epidote is a gorgeous dark green mineral that is prized by collectors. In the case of some higher quality pieces, it may even be cut for gemstone usage – mostly faceted stones.

Epidote does also occur as an inclusion in Prehnite, which creates interesting polished specimens.

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Appearance, Uses and History

Epidote is a mineral often occurring in well developed crystalline forms.

It is sometimes cut for jewellery usage, either into cabochons or faceted. However, its main use is as a decorative stone. Most collectors will have a piece; those crystals are very popular.

Epidote occurs as an inclusion in Prehnite relatively often and may occur in other minerals too – it is often found alongside Calcite, Actinolite, Quartz or Garnet.

Locales

Epidote can be found worldwide, with excellent specimens found in Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Madagascar, Morocco, Myanmar, Norway, Russia, Tanzania, and the USA.

Mineralogy

Chemistry
A Calcium Aluminium Iron Silicate, with the formula Ca2(Al,Fe)2(SiO4)3(OH
Colours and Variations
Yellowish green, green, brownish green
Streak
White to off white.
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Uneven
Crystal habit
Prismatic crystals with striations. Fibrous, massive, radiating sprays.
Mohs hardness
6.0 – 7.0
Specific Gravity
3.3 – 3.6
Easiest testing method
Crystal habits can be a good indicator in some cases.
Common Treatments

Hazards and Warnings

 

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.
When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Arabic:

Hindi:

Portuguese:

  • epídoto

Bengali:

Indonesian:

  • epidot

Punjabi:

English:

Italian:

  • epidoto

Russian:

  • эпидот

French:

  • épidote
  • Pistachite

Japanese:

  • エピドート

Spanish:

  • epidota
  • Pistacita

German:

  • Epidot
  • Pistacit
  • Pistazit

Korean:

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin and Traditional Chinese:

  • 绿帘石

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links