AllMineralsRock
Vesuvianite
Vesuvianite is a popular mineral composed of calcium magnesium aluminum silicate. [1]
Vesuvianite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Vesuvianite:- Transparency: Vesuvianite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, vesuvianite is tetragonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, vesuvianite can be resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Vesuvianite streaks white.
- Hardness: Vesuvianite's hardness is 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
Vesuvianite: Background and Summary
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.One way to identify vesuvianite is by its crystal structure. It typically forms in prismatic or tabular crystals that have a square or rectangular cross-section. The crystals may be elongated along one axis, giving them a needle-like appearance. Vesuvianite also has a distinctive cleavage pattern, which is a property that allows it to break along certain planes. It has a vitreous to resinous luster and a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Vesuvianite has several uses in industry and jewelry making. It is commonly used as a gemstone due to its attractive colors and high clarity. The green variety of vesuvianite is often referred to as California jade or California emerald. It is also used as a decorative stone in carvings and sculptures. In industry, vesuvianite is used as a refractory material in high-temperature applications such as furnace linings. It is also used as a flux in the production of steel and as a source of calcium in the production of cement.
Vesuvianite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Vesuvianite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH)4 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium magnesium aluminum silicate |
| Hardness | 6.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | tetragonal |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, pink, black sometimes: red, blue, brown, white, purple less common: orange, violet, yellow, colorless, multicolor |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| Category | sorosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.004–0.006 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Vesuvianite: FAQ
Q: Is vesuvianite a rare mineral?A: Vesuvianite is not considered a rare mineral, but high-quality specimens can be difficult to find.
Q: Where is vesuvianite found?
A: Vesuvianite is found in many locations around the world, including Italy, Canada, Russia, and the United States.
Q: Can vesuvianite be treated or enhanced?
A: Vesuvianite is not typically treated or enhanced in any way.
Q: What is the meaning of vesuvianite?
A: Vesuvianite is believed to promote clarity of thought, creativity, and spiritual growth.
Sources
- Mindat.org: https://www.mindat.org/min-4219.html- Gemological Institute of America: https://www.gia.edu/vesuvianite-description
- Vesuvianite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesuvianite
Previous Mineral: acanthite Next Mineral: chalcopyrite