Epidote

Transparent epidote suitable for faceting is uncommon, so stones above a few carats with good clarity and color are noteworthy. Carat weight therefore contributes significantly to value in the small faceted gem market.

The most attractive epidote shows a bright pistachio to yellowish-green color with good saturation and some internal brilliance. Very dark, brownish or heavily included stones are less desirable and mainly suited to specimen use.

High-end gem epidote should be eye-clean or nearly so; obvious inclusions reduce transparency and dampen the already moderate brilliance. Because rough is often included, clean stones are rare.

Epidote's strong pleochroism and cleavage require careful orientation and cutting, often into elongated shapes that best display color. Well-cut stones can show surprising liveliness, while poor cuts produce murky or overly dark gems.

Epidote is widespread in metamorphic rocks worldwide, but gem-quality transparent crystals are scarce and typically found in a handful of localities in Pakistan, Austria, Alaska and elsewhere. There is no large, dedicated mining industry for gem epidote.

Demand is niche, driven by collectors of unusual gem varieties and by those attracted to its characteristic green tones. It has minimal presence in mainstream jewelry.

Interest and pricing for epidote remain relatively stable, with occasional spikes for particularly fine or unusually large faceted stones or museum-grade specimens.