Vesuvianite
| Colour | Green, Brown, Yellow, Clear |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to resinous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal |
| Transparency | Subtransparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | Poor on {110} and {100} very poor on {001} |
| Fracture | Sub conchoidal to irregular |
| Chemical formula | Ca 10 (Mg, Fe) 2 Al 4 (SiO 4 ) 5 (Si 2 O 7 ) 2 (OH,F) 4 |
| Specific gravity | 3.32–3.43 |
What is Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is a green, brown, yellow, or blue silicate mineral. Vesuvianite occurs as tetragonal crystals in skarn deposits and limestones that have been subjected to contact metamorphism. It was first discovered within included blocks or adjacent to lavas on Mount Vesuvius, hence its name. Attractive-looking crystals are sometimes cut as gemstones. Localities which have yielded fine crystallized specimens include Mount Vesuvius and the Ala Valley near Turin, Piedmont.
How to identify Vesuvianite
- Lustre: Vitreous to resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 6–7 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Tetragonal crystal system.
Vesuvianite in different forms
Stones often confused with Vesuvianite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is Mohs 6–7 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is typically green, brown, yellow, clear (Yellow, green, brown; colorless to white, brown-black, light green, emerald green, violet, blue-green to blue, pink, pur).