Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is a green, brown, yellow, or blue silicate mineral. Vesuvianite occurs as tetragonal crystals in skarn deposits and limestones that have been subjected to contact metamorphism. ... Attractive-looking crystals are sometimes cut as gemstones.

How do you identify vesuvianite?

Physical Properties

Vesuvianite is usually translucent and green, yellowish green, or brownish green in color. Rare specimens can be colorless, white, blue, pink, purple, violet, red, or black. Some crystals exhibit color zoning. Vesuvianite always has a white streak and a Mohs hardness of approximately 6.5.

Is vesuvianite a garnet?

The crystal structure of vesuvianite closely resembles that of garnet. It contains both indipendent silicate tetrahedra (SiO₄), like garnet, ad sorosilicate units of two tetrahedra (Si₂O₇). ... Be-rich variety (viluite) and Cu-rich variety (cyprine) are known.