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The Epidote Group of Minerals


Allanite-(Ce) - Allanite-(Y) - Androsite - Clinozoisite

Dissakisite - Dollaseite - Epidote - Hancockite - Khristovite

Mukhinite - Piemontite - Strontiopiemontite - Zoisite

The Epidote Group minerals are silicates. Silicates are the most abundant class of minerals comprising 75% of all known minerals and 40% of all common minerals. The structure of
the Epidote Group minerals is composed of both SiO4 groups and Si2O7 groups in equal proportions. Epidote Group minerals could be classified as nesosilicates but the higher organization of the Si2O7 groups places them in the sorosilicate subclass. The epidote
group members begin with a general silicate formula and combine with the following
elements to make the different members of this group. The elements are aluminum,
calcium, cerium, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, strontium, vanadium, and yttrium.
In some Epidote Group minerals there is some substitution of oxygens for hydroxides.
The epidote group is composed of a number of members. Most of these are very rare.
Epidote is common and the some what less common Zoisite is used as a gemstone (a
variety known as tanzanite) Tanzanite is a gem with shades of blue to lavender. It is
a relatively new gemstone that is very popular in toady's market. Massive Zoisite is
a pleasing green, often combine with ruby, is also used as a gemstone or ornamental
stone. Allanite, Clinozoisite and Piemontite are three other members that are seen
occasionally . Another gemstone, Thulite, is a combination of epidote and rhodonite.

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