Quartz with Epidote Cluster | Cabinet Specimen | Guizhou, China

Specimen Overview

Mineral: Quartz with Epidote
Weight: 413 g
Dimensions: Approx. 12 cm × 10 cm × 6 cm
Form: Natural cluster on matrix
Locality: Guizhou Province, China
UV Reaction: No notable fluorescence under 365 nm
Stand Included: Yes
Condition: Good overall; minor natural edge wear/chipping present consistent with clustered growth

This is the exact specimen pictured.

About This Specimen

A striking cabinet specimen from Guizhou featuring sharply formed translucent quartz crystals accented by rich green epidote growths both within and upon the crystal faces.

Dark green radiating epidote sprays emerge across the specimen like miniature mineral forests, creating dramatic contrast against the icy clarity of the host quartz. Several terminations display phantom-like internal green zoning where mineral-rich fluids became trapped during crystal growth.

The combination of:

• Sharp multi-point quartz formation
• Internal green inclusions
• Surface epidote sprays
• Natural matrix backing
• Strong three-dimensional structure

creates exceptional visual depth from every angle.

This is a highly aesthetic collector specimen with superb shelf presence.

Geological Formation

Quartz forms from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids moving through fractures and cavities within host rock.

As these crystals developed, epidote-bearing fluids entered the system, depositing green calcium-aluminium-iron silicate minerals onto and within the growing quartz.

This specimen records a multi-stage mineralisation event in which:

• Quartz crystallised first
• Hydrothermal chemistry shifted
• Epidote precipitated during later growth phases
• Inclusions and overgrowths became preserved in situ

The result is a natural record of changing geological conditions captured within the crystal architecture.

Approximate Geological Age

Mineralisation in the Guizhou hydrothermal systems responsible for material of this type is broadly associated with:

Late Mesozoic tectonic and hydrothermal activity
(~50–150 million years ago)

During this period:

• Dinosaurs still inhabited Earth (earlier range)
• Asia was undergoing major tectonic deformation
• Hydrothermal systems were actively depositing mineral-rich veins
• Mountain-building and faulting shaped much of southern China

Rarity & Collectability

Quartz is common.
Well-crystallised quartz with aesthetic epidote inclusion and overgrowth combinations of this quality is considerably less so.

What distinguishes this piece:

• Excellent contrast between quartz and epidote
• Multiple sharply terminated points
• Internal and external mineralisation
• Attractive balanced composition
• Strong cabinet display size
• Desirable Chinese locality

A substantial and visually sophisticated collector specimen.

Condition Notes

Minor edge wear and small contact marks may be present, typical of natural clustered mineral specimens.

These are natural or collection-related imperfections and do not detract from the specimen’s overall display quality.