Also known as idocrase, vesuvianite got its name after the Italian volcano Vesuvius where it was first found. Though it has achieved more popularity in the recent years than before Vesuvianite is still a collector’s stone and it is rarely used for jewelry purpose.

Locations:

Green vesuvianite comes from California (USA) along-with the former USSR. A massive green gem variety is called californite from where it is found. Whereas, the blue variety is found in Norway and the yellowish green comes from New York (USA). Other locations for vesuvianite are Canada, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.

Chemical Composition: Calcium Aluminum Silicate
Crystal Structure: Tetragonal
Hardness: 6.5
Specific Gravity: 3.40
Refractive Index: 1.70-1.75
Colors: Olive green and yellowish brown.
Luster: Vitreous to adamantine