1. Quartz (Base Layer)
The lower portion is unmistakably quartz — translucent to milky-white with visible crystalline fracture and a slightly yellowish edge where iron staining has occurred.
This part is classic quartz: hard, glassy, and showing natural cleavage-like breaks.
2. Green Epidote-Chlorite Mineralization (Top Layer)
The top section, which appears matte, earthy, and deep green with gold-fleck texture, is more accurately epidote mixed with chlorite — not pure chlorite alone.
Why this matters:
- Chlorite-only layers tend to be soft and flaky.
- Epidote-chlorite combinations are common in metamorphic zones, especially where quartz veins formed under hydrothermal activity.
- Your piece shows a much more solid, structured, granular green surface, which strongly matches epidote.
Visual indicators:
- Olive-to-deep-green surface ✔️
- Golden or brownish micro-inclusions ✔️
- Granular, slightly sparkly texture ✔️
- Sits firmly on top of quartz (a known combination) ✔️
So the most accurate ID is:
Quartz with Epidote–Chlorite Cap
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