Epidota
Epidota is a mineral with formula Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH), in the Silicatos group. This specimen comes from Shalman, Landi Kotal, Khyber District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistán and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Single elongated prismatic crystal with smooth faces and sharp edges. Olive-green colour with golden reflections, vitreous-resinous lustre and partial transparency.
About Epidota
A calcium, aluminium and iron silicate that crystallises in the monoclinic system. Common in contact-metamorphic rocks and in hydrothermal veins. Its characteristic green colour varies with iron content.
About the locality
The Alchuri valley, in Shigar District (Gilgit-Baltistan), is noted for isolated prismatic epidote crystals, with elongated habit and high optical purity.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0253
- Composition
- Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
- Name
- Epidota
- Group
- Silicatos
- Category
- Estélites
- Mine
- Shalman
- District / Municipality
- Landi Kotal
- Province
- Khyber District
- Region
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Country
- Pakistán
- Size (cm)
- 2.5 x 0.4 x 0.2
- Weight
- 2.4 g
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- From the Greek "epidosis", 'increase' or 'addition', in allusion to its relation to the epidotoid group.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
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