Epidote (attractive crystals)

Item Description

Although Epidote is not what would be considered a rare species, it's not terribly easy to find in really good display specimens. This piece is from Pakistan, and while the majority of the Epidote specimens you'll see on the market from Pakistan are found in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, this one is from Zard Mountain in Balochistan. It's from a fairly recent find, and show a very different style and color of crystals. They are actually some of the most exemplary crystals of Epidote from Pakistan from the standpoint of form and morphology. The crystals on this specimen have very good luster, with smooth crystal faces and a dark greenish-black color and attractive "chisel"-shaped terminations. The Epidotes have formed somewhat "curved" crystal groups, and the largest central group measures 3.3 cm across. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the piece is the fact that the Epidote crystals are on matrix, which is rarely seen in this material, most pieces are either single crystals or groups OFF matrix. The piece is in condition on the front side, but it's not complete on the edges where it was separated from the pocket wall. You could fool a lot of people when you ask them, "where is this Epidote from?", because I think most people would either answer Austria, Alaska, Kenya or somewhere else before they thought it was from Pakistan. A great small cabinet display specimen for any fan of worldwide Epidotes or excellent crystal morphology.