Characteristics of Vesuvianite:

Chemical Name: Calcium- iron- magnesium aluminosilicate

Formula: Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH)4 

Colors: Yellow, brown, green, red, black, blue, purple

Structure: Tetragonal or monoclinic

Hardness: 6.5

Specific Gravity: 3.3-3.4

Refractive Index: 1.70-1.72

Lustre: Vitreous to resinous

Streak: White

Locations: Italy, Russia, USA

What is Vesuvianite? 

Vesuvianite is the new name for the mineral formerly called idocrase – indeed, transparent, gemstone Vesuvianite is still sometimes referred to as idocrase. Its crystals are usually colored green or chartreuse, but a number of other colors are also found. Vesuvianite can incorporate various elements in its structure; for example, an unusual bismuth-bearing Vesuvianite from Langban Sweden, is bright red; and a greenish blue, copper-bearing Vesuvianite is called cyprine.