What on Earth Is Vesuvianite?

Vesuvianite (also called idocrase) is a rare green calcium silicate with a Mohs hardness of 6.5, used for cabochons, beads and jewellery. Its soft green, with tinges of brown and yellow, resembles the turn of the seasons, so it suits autumn-toned pieces and works as an accent beside darker, larger stones. Read on for its properties, history and lore.

The Physical Properties of Vesuvianite

It comes in a range of green, brownish green, and yellowish green colours, although rare specimens can be white, colourless, black, red, pink, and violet.

It is a durable mineral with a hardness rating of 6.5 and a poor cleavage. These qualities make vesuvianite an ideal gemstone material. It is often cut into cabochons, pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets.

Vesuvianite has 3 popular varieties classified according to their colours and origins:

• Californite - Green vesuvianite found in California. Some refer to it as California jade or American jade
• Cyprine - Copper-rich type of vesuvianite with a blue colour
• Fluorvesuvianite - White vesuvianite originating from Russia

The History of Vesuvianite

At one point in history, the mineral had 2 names.

In 1795, German geologist Abraham Gottlob Werner called it vesuvianite because it was found near the famous volcano Mt. Vesuvius in southern Italy.

René Just Haüy, a French mineralogist, named the mineral idocrase (from the Greek words eidos and krausis, meaning mixed form) because of its multiple crystal growth and mineral combinations.

Both names are used today to refer to the green mineral. Vesuvianite is widely used among geologists, while gemologists use idocrase to describe the mineral.

Vesuvianite forms in carbonate rocks during the process of contact/hydrothermal metamorphism. It is found as massive crystals or partial replacements in dolomite, granulite, limestone, marble, or skarn. Well-formed vesuvianite crystals occur rarely and are found in cavities, fractures, and vugs.

Gem-grade vesuvianite is common in Canada, Kenya, Italy, Switzerland, Tanzania, and the USA.

The Lore of Vesuvianite

Vesuvianite is a newer name in crystal lore than most stones, and its meanings come from modern crystal writers rather than ancient tradition. It is generally linked with humour, optimism and letting go of fear and loneliness.

The Metaphysical Properties of Vesuvianite

Vesuvianite is connected to the heart chakra. In crystal practice it is a symbol for releasing bottled-up emotions (anger, hatred, fear, guilt and jealousy) so you can move forward, and for clearing the mind of negative thoughts so you can think logically.

People who work with crystals also choose vesuvianite as a reminder to let go of destructive thought patterns and to bring in energy and enthusiasm.

It can help you live the life you've always wanted by giving you the strength and courage to live out your innermost desires and mold your thoughts, actions, relationships, and decisions around these desires. In short, vesuvianite aligns your inner world and present reality to achieve your aspirations.

Vesuvianite is also a stone of success and prosperity. Wear it to work or keep a vesuvianite stone in your pocket to attract meaningful collaborations and deflect stress in the workplace. It can increase your productivity levels and help you engage and cooperate with your coworkers better.

Note: Crystals and stones are sold as minerals, collectibles and decor. The metaphysical meanings above come from folklore and personal tradition, not from scientific evidence, and nothing here is health advice.