Epidosite identification and geology

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• Greenschist
• Unakite

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:39:25.170313+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
• Can you identify my rock or mineral? — U.S. Geological Survey. Identification limitations and routes to in-person professional verification.

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Common questions

What is Epidosite?

Rock composed almost entirely of epidote and quartz, formed by intense hydrothermal alteration in oceanic crust.

How can you identify Epidosite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Metamorphic Metasomatic; texture: Massive to granular; grain size: Fine to medium; common minerals: Epidote, Quartz. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Epidosite form?

Forms by intense calcium-iron metasomatism of basaltic rocks in high-temperature hydrothermal upflow zones in oceanic crust.

Where is Epidosite commonly found?

Found in ophiolites worldwide; Oman, Troodos Cyprus , Papua New Guinea.

What is Epidosite commonly confused with?

Epidosite may be confused with Greenschist, Unakite, Pistacite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.