By Chisom Ibemere
Epidote belongs to a group of Calcium aluminium Iron sorosilicate mineral. They may be colourless to green or yellow mineral. It has a striated crystal or twinned face. It’s properties such as colour, specific gravity and optical constants depends on the presence or quantity of Iron in them.
Epidote mostly displays green, grey or brown colours but has pleochroic colours of green, yellow and brown. It’s name is gotten from the Greek word “epidosis” meaning “addition or increase”. It is a rock forming mineral of secondary origin.
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Epidote is found mainly in metamorphic rocks of marble and schistose. It results from hydrothermal alterations of some minerals such as pyroxenes, amphiboles, Garnets etc. which are made up of Igneous rocks. A combination of quartz and epidotes is referred to as epidosite and most developed ones are widespread.
Epidotes are most prominent in minerals that have undergone alteration through metamorphism and such crystals are schists and marbles. It is found in pegmatites as monoclinic crystals.
Epidote is translucent with vitreous lustre in huge form and transparent in marble and Pegmatite. It is minorly used in industries as gemstones. High quality and valued Epidotes are cut into stones. They are not used for commercial purposes due to their dull colours.
Epidotes are seen across different habitats and are abundant worldwide. They are relatively fragile and may be used as inclusions in other stones. Epidotes are deposited around Egbe-Isanlu palaeoproterozoic schist belt, Southwest Nigeria.
