EPIDOTE – Bifacial Plate, 100+ Green Crystals, Tremp, Lleida, Spain

This is an exceptional bifacial specimen showcasing a dense carpet of over one hundred intense green Epidote crystals developing across both faces of the matrix — a genuinely uncommon feature that dramatically increases both the display value and the scientific interest of the piece. The crystals present the classic elongated, striated prismatic habit typical of the species, with many individuals grouped into fan-like sprays radiating outward from common attachment points, giving the surface a dynamic, textured relief.

The saturated green coloration and the vitreous luster of the crystals create a strong visual contrast against the host rock, while the sheer density of crystallization across the entire surface, on both sides, produces a genuinely three-dimensional collector's piece rather than a simple one-sided plate. The overall crystallization is well balanced and aesthetically cohesive, reflecting a careful selection process.

The specimen comes from Les Collades Ravine, near Casterner de les Olles, in the municipality of Tremp, Lleida province, Catalonia, Spain — a locality where Epidote forms in cavities within an altered augite gabbro (ophite) body affected by hydrothermal fluids. This site now lies within the Serra de Sant Gervàs protected natural area, where digging and the use of heavy equipment are no longer permitted; only surface collecting of loose material is allowed. This growing restriction makes fresh, well-crystallized material from this locality increasingly difficult to find on the market, adding a further layer of rarity to this piece.

Epidote is a sorosilicate mineral built from paired silicon-oxygen tetrahedra (Si2O7 groups) alternating with isolated SiO4 tetrahedra, linked through chains of aluminum- and iron-bearing octahedra, with calcium ions occupying the spaces between them. The intense green color so typical of this specimen is caused specifically by the presence of ferric iron (Fe3+) substituting for aluminum (Al3+) within the octahedral sites of the crystal structure: this substitution, known in mineralogy as the pistacite component, acts as a structural chromophore, and the greater the proportion of iron relative to aluminum, the deeper and more saturated the green tone becomes, sometimes shifting toward olive or brownish-green shades. Epidote forms a continuous solid solution series with the aluminum-dominant, typically pale or colorless mineral clinozoisite. The elongated, striated prismatic crystals seen in this specimen, often grouped into fan-shaped sprays radiating from a common point, are a classic habit for the species and result from rapid growth along the crystallographic b-axis. At this locality, Epidote formed through hydrothermal alteration of an augite-rich gabbro (ophite), with mineral-bearing fluids depositing crystals within voids and fractures of the altered rock — a process now largely inaccessible for future collecting due to the protected status of the site.

• Formula: Ca2Al2(Fe3+,Al)(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH)
• Key chemical elements: Calcium, Aluminium, Iron, Silicon, Oxygen, Hydrogen
• Hardness (Mohs scale): 6 – 7
• Mineral class: Silicates (Sorosilicates)
• Crystal system: Monoclinic
• Crystal habit: Prismatic, elongated and striated crystals, commonly in fan-shaped radiating sprays
• Formation: Hydrothermal alteration of augite gabbro (ophite)
• Color: Intense green, caused by Fe3+ substitution for Al3+ in the crystal structure
• Locality status: Located within a protected natural reserve; digging no longer permitted

The name Epidote was coined in 1801 by French mineralogist René-Just Haüy from the Greek word 'epidosis', meaning increase, referring to the way one side of the crystal's prism base is longer than the other. The green, iron-rich variety of Epidote was historically also known by the name pistacite, in reference to its pistachio-green hue.

The locality of Les Collades Ravine, near the Escales reservoir in the Catalan Pyrenees, is now included within the Serra de Sant Gervàs protected natural area. While picking up loose surface material is still tolerated, digging and the use of heavy tools have been banned to preserve this unique geological site, where Epidote crystallized inside cavities of an altered gabbro body. This makes newly collected specimens from this exact site increasingly scarce compared to the past.

In crystal healing traditions, Epidote is regarded as a stone of positive transformation, believed to help release old patterns, emotional blockages and self-limiting beliefs in order to make space for personal growth. It is often associated with strengthening the physical and energetic constitution, encouraging recovery and resilience during periods of change. Some practitioners connect green Epidote with the Heart Chakra, linking it to feelings of gratitude, emotional balance and a renewed appreciation for what one already possesses in life. Its dense, radiating crystal sprays are sometimes interpreted symbolically as amplifiers of positive intention and abundance. As with all mineral specimens, these interpretations are not scientifically proven.

Photos: All photographs are taken under professional lighting conditions to accurately highlight crystal structure, color and detail. However, slight variations in tone and appearance may occur depending on screen calibration and ambient lighting conditions.

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