AllMineralsRock
Epidote
Epidote is a popular mineral composed of calcium aluminium iron silicate. [1]
Epidote: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Epidote:- Transparency: Epidote can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, epidote is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, epidote can be dull, pearly, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Epidote streaks white.
- Hardness: Epidote's hardness ranges from 6 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Epidote's specific gravity ranges from 3.21 to 4.2.
Epidote: Background and Summary
Epidote is a mineral that belongs to the sorosilicate group. It is a common mineral that is found in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks. Epidote is typically green, but it can also be yellow-brown, black or colorless. The mineral has a hardness of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and has a vitreous to resinous luster. Epidote is commonly found in prismatic or tabular crystal habit and can also occur in massive or granular form.To identify epidote, one can look for its characteristic green color, its prismatic or tabular crystal habit, and its hardness. Epidote can also be identified by its cleavage, which is typically poor in one direction and distinct in another. Another way to identify epidote is by its association with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and garnet.
Epidote has several uses, including being used as a gemstone and in the creation of jewelry. It is also used in the production of cement and as a source of iron. In addition, epidote is used in the manufacturing of ceramics, glass, and electronics.
Epidote: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Epidote (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2(Al,Fe)2(SiO4)3(OH) |
| Chemical Composition | calcium aluminium iron silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.21, 4.2 |
| Hardness | 6, 7 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.64, 1.83 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, brown, yellow, red sometimes: gray, black, white, colorless less common: pale, pink, rose |
| Category | sorosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.019–0.046 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Epidote: FAQ
Q: Is epidote a valuable mineral?A: Epidote is not considered a valuable mineral, but it is used in the production of various products.
Q: Where is epidote found?
A: Epidote is found in metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks all over the world. Some of the notable locations include Austria, Italy, Norway, and the United States.
Q: Can epidote be harmful to humans?
A: Epidote is not considered harmful to humans, but it should not be ingested or inhaled. In addition, it is recommended to handle the mineral with care, as it can be brittle and break easily.
Sources
- "Epidote Mineral Data." Mineralogy Database. https://www.mindat.org/min-1372.html- "Epidote." Geology.com. https://geology.com/minerals/epidote.shtml
- "Epidote." Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/epidote-mineral
- Epidote: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidote
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