Epidote (gemmy)

Item Description

During the 1990s, there were a good number of superb quality Epidote specimens coming out of the "Alpine-type" deposits in the high Pakistani mountains around Shigar. These specimens rivaled the finest crystals from the world-famous Alpine localities in Austria (Knappenwand), where the finest examples of the species have been found. What really set the Pakistani specimens apart was not just the size, luster and sharpness, but they were rather gemmy(!) even in thicker crystals, which is not commonly seen from European examples. In recent years, we've noticed that it has become increasingly difficult to find top Epidotes from this locality, as my friends in Pakistan tell me that little is being found. This specimen hosts fine, sharp, lustrous, gemmy prismatic crystals that show slight pleochroism changing from a golden hue to a greenish tone when the crystals are rotated in transmitted light. The piece is very good quality all around, with the only real imperfection being along the edge where it was most likely contacted in the pocket. The termination of the tallest crystal has a beautiful "chisel"-shape. You just don't see pieces like this on the market now, and if you consider that most Epidote crystals around the world are "black" and opaque, this piece is in a higher tier in terms of quality for the species.