Mineral description : Epidote

Epidote crystals in calcite from Gåsgruvan.
Epidote crystal in quartz from Basmofjärden, Norway.
Epidote from Tröndelag, Norway.

Mineral class Silicates : Sorosilicates : Epidote - Vesuvian group
Chemical formula Ca2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)
Crystal system Monoclinic.
Habitus Surface rich prismatic crystals with striated surfaces. Also as fibrous, grainy or massive aggregates.
Cleavage Perfect, fracture uneven.
Hardness 6-7
Density 3.35-3.50
Color Yellowish green to dark green and brownish green.
Streak Colorless or grayish.
Luster Vitreous, transparent to nearly opaque.
Description  
Occurance Common in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Associates Amphiboles, Pyroxene, Garnet.
Notes Insoluble in acids.
Fuses fairly easily.
Locations A very common mineral
  • Nordmark mining field ( Taberg, Nordmarks, Finnmosse and age mines), Värmland. As beautiful crystals and radiating aggregates (Agegruvan).
  • Persberg, Gåsgruvan and Blankagruvan, Persberg mining field, Värmland.
  • Hönsarvsberget, Borlänge. In a limestone quarry.
  • Tennberget, Grängesberg. In a limestone quarry.
  • Nol feldspar quarry. As great crystals.
  • Basmofjärden, Mo I Rana, Norway. As great crystals in quartz.

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Last changed : 1998-03-07