How do I identify Epidote?

Epidote can be identified by its hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, Yellowish-green color, Vitreous luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Epidote?

Epidote typically appears in Yellowish-green, green, brownish-green, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Epidote has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Epidote

A variety of Epidote Group

Uncommon

What is Epidote?

Epidote isn't one of the most common minerals to stumble across, but when you do, hold on with both hands! This is an incredibly precious mineral for collectors. Although it isn't classified as a precious gemstone, the relative rarity makes it a genuine treasure. They are most commonly seen among ancient lava fields and metamorphized rock.

Etymology & Origins

The name, due to Haüy, is derived from the Greek word "epidosis" (ἐπίδοσις) which means "addition" in allusion to one side of the ideal prism being longer than the other.

Uses & Applications

The perfectly transparent, dark green crystals from the Knappenwand and from Brazil have occasionally been cut as gemstones.

Healing Properties

Epidote is believed to enhance spiritual growth and empower all who come in contact with it. Its power is said to help the body release negative energy and allow for positive healing. It is often used to counteract feelings of depression, and restore vitality and hope. It provides an earthly grounding nature that helps to balance the mind, body, and spirit.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.729-1.768
Birefringence: 0.014-0.045
Pleochroism: Orange/brown stones - strong trichroism: green to strong green, light brown to brown, yellow to colorless; Green stones - strong: green, brown, yellow to colorless
Optical Character: Biaxial negative
Dispersion: 0.03

Discover Values

Rarity

3.9out of 5.0

78%

Popularity

3.7out of 5.0

74%

Beauty

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Cultural Value

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Collection Value

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Epidote Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Epidote using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Epidote Localities Map

See where Epidote is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Associated Chakras

Root

Sacral

Solar Plexus

Heart

Throat

Third Eye

Crown

Key Characteristics

Rock Types of Epidote

Clinozoisite is green, white or pale rose-red group species containing very little iron, thus having the same chemical composition as the orthorhombic mineral zoisite.

Characteristics of Epidote

They are commonly prismatic in habit, the direction of elongation being perpendicular to the single plane of symmetry. The faces are often deeply striated and crystals are often twinned. Many of the characters of the mineral vary with the amount of iron present for instance, the color, the optical constants, and the specific gravity. The color is green, grey, brown or nearly black, but usually a characteristic shade of yellowish-green or pistachio-green. It displays strong pleochroism, the pleochroic colors being usually green, yellow and brown.

Formation of Epidote

Epidote is an abundant rock-forming mineral, but one of secondary origin. It occurs in marble and schistose rocks of metamorphic origin. It is also a product of hydrothermal alteration of various minerals (feldspars, micas, pyroxenes, amphiboles, garnets, and others) composing igneous rocks. A rock composed of quartz and epidote is known as epidosite.