Epidote with Oligoclase

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Known for centuries, the prismatic Epidote crystals found in the iron mines surrounding Arendal in southeast Norway were much studied crystallographically in the early years of the 19th century and good crystals continued to be found while the many mines were operating. Mostly seen as small loose individual crystals, or crystals in Calcite, the association with Oligoclase feldspar seen in this small cabinet specimen is really special. Not only is the single, prominent, 2.5 cm long, Epidote crystal really well-formed and nicely terminated, but the Oligoclase crystals provide a great crystallized association, lining a vug within darker coloured rock matrix. There is very slight damage to the base of the Epidote crystal, probably where it was attached to the other side of the vug, but otherwise it is extremely fine for Arendal, with a really glossy lustre and very deep green colour. Although not provenanced to an individual mine - virtually none were - this is a quite special matrix-hosted specimen worthy of display. It is from the superb systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).