Vesuvianite (Idocrase) – From the Vesuvius Volcano

Vesuvianite was first discovered on the Italian volcano, Vesuvius, as small, perfect crystals. It is also called idocrase and may appear in red, yellow, green, purple, or brown. Moreover, it is rarely used in jewelry but may be cut for collectors. Crystals are usually thick prisms with a square cross-section.

Vesuvianite (idocrase) may be confused with demantoid garnet, epidote, diopside, zircon, peridot, tourmaline, and smoky quartz.

Occurrence

Vesuvianite (idocrase) occurs in many varieties. Californite from California (USA) is green. The rare blue cyprine is found in Norway. On the other hand, the yellowish green variety is xanthite from New York (USA). Wiluite is the green variety that occurs in the former USSR. Other localities include Italy, Switzerland, Canada, and Austria.

Vesuvianite (Idocrase) Properties

• Specific Gravity: 3.40
• Refractive Index: 1.70-1.75
• Birefringence (DR): 0.005
• Luster: Vitreous to adamantine
• Crystal Structure: Tetragonal
• Composition: Calcium aluminum silicate
• Hardness: 6½

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