Epidote

A magnificent clustered group of inky dark bottle-green Epidote crystals from the well-known Epidote locality of Knappenwand in Untersulzbachtal, Salzburg, Austria.  This mountainous area contains epidote-amphibolite mineralisation which, when contacted by an aplite vein in the presence of open clefts, allows the deposition of superb Epidote crystals.  Prior to any further description, we point out that this specimen been repaired across where it once cracked apart towards one end.  The repair is well done but does not attempt to disguise where the crack occurred.  The largest crystal measure 7 x 1.3 x 1 cm and is attached to four or five other smaller crystals, most in parallel alignment.  Although almost blackish bottle-green and highly lustrous, in transmitted light the edges are translucent and range between lime-green a bright orange-amber.