Gemstone profile and identification guide
Vesuvianite
Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is a calcium-rich silicate gemstone species.
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Overview
Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is a calcium-rich silicate gemstone species.
Did you know? The mineral was first described from Mount Vesuvius area occurrences.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Vesuvianite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Vesuvianite/Idocrase)
Hardness: 6.5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous to resinous
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Yellow Green
Colour family: Greens
Species-specific optical and crystallographic properties distinguish vesuvianite.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure language where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Complex calcium aluminum magnesium iron silicate
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Common locations: Italy, Canada, Pakistan, Kenya, Russia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Vesuvianite (idocrase) in green to yellow-green transparent and translucent forms.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Vesuvianite (idocrase)
Mineral group: Vesuvianite group
Chemical formula: Complex calcium aluminum magnesium iron silicate
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Lustre: vitreous to resinous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Variable by species/material
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.3-3.5
Refractive index: 1.70-1.73
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Green, yellow-green, brown
Common inclusions: Species-dependent inclusions and growth features
Geological environment: Species-dependent
Principal mining regions: Italy, Canada, Pakistan, Kenya, Russia
Important commercial sources: Gem vesuvianite occurs in skarn and contact metamorphic environments
Historical significance: Recognized in gemological and lapidary trade.
Common treatments: Treatment status varies by product; disclose when present.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Imitations may exist depending on species.
Common look-alikes: Species-dependent look-alikes.
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and collector minerals.
Care recommendations: Moderately durable; avoid severe impact and abrasive wear.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Vesuvianite.
Formation
Forms in skarns and contact metamorphosed limestones.
Origin
Gem vesuvianite occurs in skarn and contact metamorphic environments
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted gems, cabochons, and collector minerals.
Ideal uses: Collector and occasional jewelry use.
Care
Moderately durable; avoid severe impact and abrasive wear.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Vesuvianite FAQ
How can I identify Vesuvianite?
Compare hardness (6.5 Mohs), crystal system (Tetragonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous to resinous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Vesuvianite appear in?
Vesuvianite (idocrase) in green to yellow-green transparent and translucent forms.
Where is Vesuvianite commonly used?
Collector and occasional jewelry use.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 09 factual verification pass.