Epidote
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Strekeisen" title="User:Strekeisen">Strekeisen</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameEpidote
Chemical FormulaCa2(Al2Fe)(SiO4)3(OH)
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite to grayish white
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {100}
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.35
Colorspistache green, yellowish-green, brownish-green, blackish-green, brown, black
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type LocalityKnappenwand, Untersulzbachtal, Salzburg, Austria
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usescollector, minor gemstone, indicator mineral
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, amphiboles, garnet, chlorite
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a microscopic view of fibrous epidote crystals under crossed nicols, exhibiting a vibrant array of interference colors in radiating and parallel growth patterns. The intricate textures highlight the mineral's optical properties rather than its macroscopic appearance.
Geological Context
Epidote is a common rock-forming mineral typically found in regionally metamorphosed rocks of greenschist facies, contact metamorphic aureoles, and hydrothermal alteration zones. It forms through the alteration of calcium-rich minerals like plagioclase feldspar, pyroxenes, and amphiboles.
