Vesuvianite: the Mineral of the Volcano

     Vesuvianite is named for Vesuvio, the Italian name of the volcano Mount Vesuvius, a place where the mineral can be found. Vesuvianite crystals are tetragon-shaped prisms, that is to say, they are prisms that look like rectangles that have trapezoidal end caps. Vesuvianite can also be found in a wide variety of colors such as, brown, amber-colored, red-brown, purple, violet, blue-green, yellow, yellow-green, green, colorless, white, or blue. In addition to its many colors vesuvianite also displays what is known as zoning. The term zoning is applied to a single crystal that exhibits different colors in different parts of the crystal. Some other minerals that exhibit zoning are rubies, and fluorite. Vesuvianite was once called idocrase, and the name is still used to some degree, so don’t let the two confuse you: vesuvianite and idocrase are actually the same mineral; it just has two names.
     Vesuvianite is used as a gemstone. It is rarely faceted as it is soft and people don’t like cut gems that display patches of different color. Vesuvianite is used to make cabochons and beads and its natural, uncut crystals are used to make jewelry as well. As a gemstone vesuvianite is occasionally called idocrase, especially when clear. Translucent green vesuvianite is sometimes called californite after the state in which it was discovered. In addition to its use as a gemstone vesuvianite is also sought by collectors, but it has no technological uses.
     One of the most notable historic sources of vesuvianite would be Mount Vesuvius in Italy, for which the mineral was named. Other sources include: Quebec, Canada; Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Sweden, Pakistan, Kenya, Namibia, Texas, Arkansas, and New Hampshire.
     Vesuvianite is a worthy addition to any collection, just be careful when collecting on volcanoes!