The Specimen Library / Record

Epidote

Calcium aluminum iron silicate / mineral species

A mineral whose pistachio-to-dark-green crystals reward a closer look.

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C&C image archive · photograph forthcoming
No substitute photograph has been used

01 · The material

Natural History

Epidote occurs in metamorphic and altered rocks. Its geological setting is broader than one familiar inclusion pairing.

02 · Observe

Under the Loupe

Dark green can look almost black in a photograph. Color alone does not identify a needle or a mixed rock.

03 · Ownership

Collect & Care

Protect slender crystals and cleavable surfaces. Avoid abrasive or aggressive cleaning.

04 · The human story

History, Lore & Tradition

Documented history

An epidote-group relationship is not the same as an exact epidote identification.

Sources & further reading

References are labeled by role. A source documenting a belief is not evidence of a medical or mineralogical effect. Reflection prompts are C&C editorial suggestions.

The cabinet

Filed Under

Mineral speciesEpidote groupEpidotePistachio green, dark green, greenish brownMonoclinicIdentification, collecting, care

Follow the question

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Take it with you

Field resources in development

  • Collector Record · future free download
  • Quick Reference · future free download
  • Coloring & Discovery Page · future low-cost resource

Adjacent drawers

Related Specimens

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