EPIDOTE

ABOUT THE SPECIMEN Sculptural cluster of “fanned” epidote crystals, with super strong luster and a deep dark color. These pieces exhibit unique growth for the species, with each of the sprays diverging out to a number of points. The vitreous luster on the crystals is so great that it reflects light almost like a mirror. You've likely seen epidote from the Kharan District before, though when you see these you know there's something a little different about them. I purchased these from a direct source shortly after they first became available, and of all the pieces I viewed from the lot, this one stood out by both size and aesthetics. Do check out the video below if you want to get a real idea of the quality.   VIDEO   MORE INFO Zard Mountain sits within the Ras Koh ophiolitic complex of western Balochistan, where epidote developed in veins cutting the mafic and ultramafic host rocks - iron and aluminum silicate-rich fluids exploiting fracture systems during metamorphic and hydrothermal overprinting of the ophiolite sequence. The locality was most likely discovered around 2010 and first reached Western dealers through Rock Currier of Jewel Tunnel Imports in 2012. What prompted a USGS characterization study published in 2013 was the combination of two anomalies: crystals developing flat tabular pseudohexagonal and pseudo-octahedral forms highly unusual for a monoclinic mineral, and a slight but measurable magnetism. Rietveld X-ray diffraction analysis of the magnetic fraction confirmed the crystals carry roughly 7–8% magnetite as microscopic inclusions throughout the epidote body alongside minor titanite, with biotite, feldspar, and quartz present in the igneous core matrix enclosed within larger crystals. Iron substitution for aluminum in the epidote structure drives the characteristic dark pistachio to blackish-green color. Associates include quartz, which occurs as colorless to white matrix on some specimens. Supply has been intermittent since the initial finds, and the combination of formally characterized anomalous habit and peer-reviewed documentation gives this locality an unusually solid scientific foundation for material still relatively new to the market.