This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 4 in 2018. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
Epidote is a sorosilicate extremely common and spread in Italy in various locations, mainly in the Alpine range in rodingites and in Alpine cracks.
The epidote crystals contained in the rodingites of Antronapiana, Ossola, Val d’Aosta, Bellecombe and Champdepraz, and in Piedmont, in Val d’Ala, Val di Susa and Val di Viù (Figures 47 and 48) are quite spread and can be considered as outstanding samples.
Picture by Fernando Metelli, courtesy by www.cfm-minerals.it.
The crystals of Val di Viù and Bellecombe have a typical yellowish light green colour which characterises a variety that can be called pistacite and that is well suitable for cutting pleasant gems.
Epidote can be frequently found in alpine cracks in a number of locations and it is often included in quartz. In such a case interesting gems can be cut (Figures 49 and 50). We should remember those of Valle Aurina and Miage on Mont Blanc. Finally, epidote can be also found in the amphibolites in Val Malenco, in big size crystals, though showing a poor brightness.
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Curated by the qualified group of expert of the section Gems of Italy, published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #4, Summer 2018.
