EPIDOTE

any of a group of colorless to green or yellow-green silicate minerals with the general chemical formula A2B3(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH), in which A is usually calcium (Ca), though manganese (Mn) or cerium (Ce) is sometimes substituted; and B is generally aluminum (Al), with the main substitution being ferric iron (Fe+3). Structurally the epidote group consists of chains of AlO6 and Al4(OH)2 octahedra linked by independent SiO4 and Si2O7 groups. The A atoms are in eight-fold coordination between the chains. Members of the epidote group include epidote (A = Ca, B = Al,Fe); clinozoisite (A = Ca, B = Al, monoclinic); zoisite (A = Ca, B = Al, orthorhombic); piedmontite (A = Ca, B = Al,Mn,Fe); allanite (A = Ca,Mn, Ce, B = Fe,Al). The epidote group occurs as secondary minerals in low-grade regionally metamorphosed rocks where its occurrence is used as an indicator of metamorphic grade. Members of the group are also produced during retrograde metamorphism of basic igneous rocks. In some cases, they may occur as a product of hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase feldspar. Manganese-rich piedmontite is associated with manganese deposits of metasomatic origin. For detailed physical properties, see silicate mineral (table).