Epidota
Epidota is a mineral with formula Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH), in the Silicatos (Sorosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Cantera Los Serranos, Albatera, Alicante, Comunidad Valenciana, España.
Description
Green prismatic crystals of epidote and clinozoisite on a quartz matrix, with the presence of UV-reactive calcite. Formation in a well-developed cavity, with rough textures and color contrast.
History of this specimen
The UV reaction is due to the accompanying calcite, and the piece is representative of the mineralization of Horihuela, with a typical paragenesis. The green fibers and the prismatic structure add interest and aesthetics to this sample from an abandoned quarry.
About the locality
For nearly 30 years, the Los Serranos Quarry in Albatera produced nice minerals like epidote, quartz, black garnet, and calcite, while extracting volcanic rock for railways and roads. With the construction decline, the quarry closed and was abandoned. Today, it is still possible to find small epidote and quartz minerals among its rocks.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0440
- Composition
- Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH)
- Name
- Epidota
- Group
- Silicatos (Sorosilicatos)
- Category
- Cavella
- Matrix
- Cuarzo
- Associations
- Clinozoisita, Calcita
- Mine
- Cantera Los Serranos
- District / Municipality
- Albatera
- Province
- Alicante
- Region
- Comunidad Valenciana
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 14 x 14
- Weight
- 490 g
- Etymology
- From the Greek «epidosis», “increase” or “addition”, because one crystal face is more developed than another.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
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