Epidote (outstanding large specimen)

Item Description

Epidote is known from any localities around the world, and most famously from the renowned Knappenwand locality in the Austrian Alps. Most of the Epidote specimens you'll see from Pakistan are found in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, but there are some superb quality specimens that have come out of Balochistan recently, and this piece is a prized example. The crystals on this are not only superb in quality, but they are some of the most exemplary crystals from the standpoint of form and morphology. At first glance, I was certain this piece had to be from somewhere other than Pakistan (possibly the Knappenwand), due to it's amazingly "wet" luster, smooth crystal faces and dark greenish-black color. It turns out that it's actually from Zard Mountain in Pakistan, and it's one of the best quality and LARGEST pieces I've ever seen from the area. This is not terribly surprising, as many of the "Alpine-Type" localities in Pakistan have produced similar minerals to their true European Alpine counterparts, but I'm always impressed when I see a piece as fine as this from an unlikely locality. As mentioned, the superb crystals faces are incredibly reflective and stunningly well-formed, as they lead up to the attractive "chisel"-shaped termination. Many of the crystals have formed groups of "fan"-shaped clusters, including a few couple of attractive "bow tie"-shaped aggregates, the largest measuring 2.8 cm long. The piece is crystallized all over, and is in great condition on the front side, with only a few small nicks here and there. It's remarkable that a piece this size is in such outstanding shape, as they usually get somewhat bashed up when they're removed from the pockets. It's a robust specimen, weighing in at a whopping 2,259 grams (nearly 5 pounds), and it's wonderful three-dimensional form makes it's incredibly showy to boot. 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 fantastic large cabinet display specimen for any fan of worldwide Epidotes or excellent crystal morphology. Priced at $5,000 in the inventory. PLEASE NOTE: Due to the size and weight of this specimen, an additional shipping charge will be required, please ask about our shipping policy and prices before bidding if you have any questions.