The facts
What epidote actually is
Mineralogically, epidote is epidote — Ca₂(Al,Fe³⁺)₃(SiO₄)₃(OH), crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by fe³⁺ giving the characteristic yellowish pistachio-green. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.729–1.768, and the specific gravity sits near 3.30–3.50; cleavage is perfect {001}.
Where epidote comes from
The recognised sources are Knappenwand, Untersulzbachtal, Salzburg, Austria (classic), Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA, Tormiq Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan and Mali.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How epidote is treated
Untreated. Strongly pleochroic green/brown/yellow. Perfect cleavage and dark tone in thicker stones limit it to collectors; the Knappenwand crystals are among the finest mineral specimens of any species.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What epidote is confused with
The usual confusions are Peridot, Tourmaline, Diopside, Clinozoisite and Actinolite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.729–1.768 and specific gravity 3.30–3.50 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What epidote is used for
Epidote is bought by mineral collecting, jewellery and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the carat or by the piece.
Durability and care
Epidote is 6–7 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {001} cleavage.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What epidote costs
Indicative pricing for epidote is $10–150/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is epidote treated, and how?
Untreated. Strongly pleochroic green/brown/yellow. Perfect cleavage and dark tone in thicker stones limit it to collectors; the Knappenwand crystals are among the finest mineral specimens of any species.
Where does epidote come from?
Knappenwand, Untersulzbachtal, Salzburg, Austria (classic), Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, USA, Tormiq Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan and Mali. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is epidote hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6–7 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {001} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does epidote cost?
Indicatively $10–150/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is epidote confused with?
Most often Peridot, Tourmaline, Diopside, Clinozoisite and Actinolite. A refractive index of 1.729–1.768 and a specific gravity near 3.30–3.50 separate it quickly.
What is epidote used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for epidote?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about epidote