Calcite Vs. Vesuvianite

Calcite is a very popular mineral composed of calcium carbonate.^[1] Vesuvianite is a popular mineral and its chemical composition is calcium magnesium aluminum silicate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Calcite and Vesuvianite

For a quick recap of the differences calcite and vesuvianite:

• In terms of crystallography, calcite can be hexagonal or trigonal while vesuvianite is tetragonal.
• For chemical formulas, calcite is CaCO3 while vesuvianite is Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH)4.
• While both calcite and vesuvianite can be vitreous, in terms of luster, calcite can be pearly and vesuvianite can be resinous.
• Calcite can be commonly red while vesuvianite can be commonly black, green or pink.
• Calcite's rarity is less rare than vesuvianite.
• Calcite's hardness is lower than vesuvianite - calcite is 3 and vesuvianite is 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
  • Calcite can be scratched by copper pennies (3.5), the average knife blade (4.5) or glass (5.5) while vesuvianite can not be.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Calcite and Vesuvianite

The similarities of calcite and vesuvianite include:

• Calcite and vesuvianite both can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Calcite and vesuvianite both streak white.

Summary of Calcite

Calcite is a mineral that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is a carbonate mineral that is composed of calcium carbonate, which gives it a white or colorless appearance. Calcite is often found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and marble, as well as in hydrothermal veins and in some metamorphic rocks. It is also found in the shells of marine organisms, such as clams and oysters.

Summary of Vesuvianite

Vesuvianite is a mineral that is also known as idocrase. It is a silicate mineral that is typically green, yellow, brown, or blue. Vesuvianite is commonly found in metamorphic rocks such as skarns, marble, and quartzite. It is often associated with other minerals such as garnet, diopside, and wollastonite.

Table Comparison of Calcite vs Vesuvianite