Vesuvianite
Species
Uncommon · (Ca,Na)₁₉(Al,Mg,Fe)₁₃(SiO₄)₁₀(Si₂O₇)₄(OH,F,O)₁₀
A complex calcium magnesium iron aluminium silicate first described from Mount Vesuvius. Forms in skarn deposits where limestone is metamorphosed by igneous intrusions. The californite variety is sold as a jade substitute.
Identity
- Formula
- (Ca,Na)₁₉(Al,Mg,Fe)₁₃(SiO₄)₁₀(Si₂O₇)₄(OH,F,O)₁₀
- Chemical class
- Silicate
- Also known as
- Idocrase, Californite (massive green variety)
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Habits
- Prismatic, Pyramidal, Massive
- Fracture
- subconchoidal to irregular
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.4 g/cm³
- Luster
- Vitreous, Resinous
- Colors
- green, yellow-green, brown, blue, purple, colorless
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- Transparent, Translucent
Geology
- Origins
- Metamorphic
- Host rocks
- Marble, Limestone and chalk
- Associated minerals
- Grossular, Diopside, Wollastonite, Calcite
- Found in
- Skarn
- Geography
- Italy (Vesuvius), Canada, USA, Russia, Switzerland
Classification
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Gem quality
- Yes
Sources
- M. Pasero and others, IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification, The New IMA List of Minerals, updated September 2026. International Mineralogical Association (CNMNC), 2026.
- J. W. Anthony, R. A. Bideaux, K. W. Bladh, M. C. Nichols, Vesuvianite. Mineral Data Publishing, Handbook of Mineralogy, 2001.
- Californite: Mineral information, data and localities. mindat.org.
Browse the Crystal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox