Metaphysical Properties of Epidote

• Element: Earth, Water
• Birthstone: Gemini
• Chakras: All

Containing both Water and Earth elements, Epidote is regarded as a very powerful cleansing stone for releasing the negatives and enhancing the positives. When one is burdened with physical ailments like energy blockages or with negative emotional patterns such as jealousy, worthlessness, and depression, Epidote is an essential ally to have on your side. It can help reveal the emotional bases for these ailments and patterns so one can begin the transformation of one's own thoughts, words, and actions to manifest a more positive and desirable reality. Working with Epidote will assist one to look objectively at his or her own strengths and weaknesses and facilitating one's progress towards the future. It generates optimism, increases perception, and brings about spiritual growth.

• • •

History of Epidote

The name Epidote is derived from the Greek words epi, "over," and didonai, "to give," in order to describe that one side of the crystal is often larger than the other.

• • •

Chemical Composition of Epidote

• Hardness: 6 to 7
• Crystal System: Monoclinic
• Composition: Calcium Aluminum Iron Silicate

Epidote is a calcium aluminum iron silicate mineral with a hardness of 6 to 7. Its crystal system usually forms into long prismatic crystals but can also occur in fibrous, granular or thick crystals. It is commonly found in varying shades of green, brown, and black. Epidote is created in hornfels and skarns in contact with metamorphic rocks and in igneous rocks in basalt, diabase, and granite pegmatites , in association with other minerals such as Quartz, Albite, Calcite, Garnet, Chlorite, Apatite, Diopside, and Hornblende. Significant Epidote mines are located in Austria, Switzerland, France, Norway, Mozambique, Pakistan, Mexico, and the USA.