Epidote Group Information's

 

Epidote Group

The epidote group is a group of related minerals with similar structures and physical and chemical properties. The minerals in the epidote group include:

• Epidote
• Allanite
• Piemontite
• Zoisite
• Clinozoisite
• Tawmawite

Chemical Formula

The general chemical formula for the epidote group is A2B3(SiO4)3(OH).

Discovery

The epidote group minerals have been known since ancient times, but were first recognized as a group in the 19th century. The name "epidote" comes from the Greek word "epidosis", which means "growing together", referring to the common occurrence of these minerals in close association with each other.

Physical Properties

The epidote group minerals are typically green, brown, or black in color and have a vitreous to resinous luster. They have a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 3.2-3.5. They are brittle and have conchoidal fractures.

Optical Properties

The epidote group minerals are typically biaxial positive, with refractive indices of nα = 1.670-1.740, nβ = 1.680-1.750, and nγ = 1.700-1.780. They have moderate to high birefringence and a weak to moderate pleochroism.

Ranking of Rarity

The epidote group minerals are relatively common, with epidote and zoisite being the most abundant members.

Occurrence (countries)

The epidote group minerals are found in a wide variety of geological settings, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. They are found in many countries around the world, including:

• Epidote: Austria, Canada, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, USA
• Allanite: Australia, Canada, China, Greenland, Japan, Norway, Russia, USA
• Piemontite: Italy, Switzerland, USA
• Zoisite: Austria, Canada, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Tanzania, USA
• Clinozoisite: Austria, Canada, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, Tanzania, USA
• Tawmawite: Myanmar

Healing Properties

The epidote group minerals are believed to have a number of healing properties, including:

• Stimulating the immune system
• Enhancing energy and vitality
• Relieving stress and anxiety
• Improving digestion
• Reducing inflammation
• Stimulating creativity and self-expression

Uses

The epidote group minerals have a variety of uses, including:

• As gemstones (e.g. epidote, piemontite, zoisite)
• As collectors' specimens
• In ceramics and glassmaking
• In jewelry-making
• In metallurgy
• In the production of cement and concrete

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