About Vesuvianite (aka idocrase)

Keep reading to discover more about vesuvianite

• Mineralogy and geology*
• Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
• Common Associations

Mineralogy and Geology of Vesuvianite

Mineral formula: Ca₁₉Fe³⁺Al₄(Al₆Mg₂)(◻₄)◻[Si₂O₇]₄[(SiO₄)₁₀]O(OH)₉

Grouping: member of vesuvianite group

Crystal system: tetragonal

Crystal habit: Short pyramidal to long prismatic crystals; or, columnar, granular, or massive.

Cleavage: Poor

Fracture: Irregular/uneven, subconchoidal

Color: brown, yellow, brown-black, light to emerald green, white, red, purple, blue

Luster: silky, earthy

Diaphaneity: transparent, translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 6 ½

Streak: light green

Specific gravity: 3.32 – 3.43

Named after: Originally named "hyacinthus dictus octodecahedricus" by Moritz Anton Kappeler in 1723. Renamed "hyacinte du Vesuve" by Jean-Baptiste Louis Romé de L'Isle in 1772. This was possibly the inspiration for Abraham Gottlob Werner to rename the species "vesuvian" in 1795, after its discovery locality, Mount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy. In 1799, Rene Just Haüy introduced the name "idocrase", a synonym for vesuvianite that can be found in older literature.

Type locality:  Mount Somma, Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Naples, Campania, Italy.

Geological occurrence: Skarns or regional metamorphism of limestones.

Spiritual, Metaphysical and Healing Properties

The green color of the Taos Rockers’ vesuvianite relates it to the heart chakra. It is a stone for cooperative effort, in romantic relationships, business associations, and families. It helps to clear and stabilize mental function and to dispel anger, banish depression, and to allay fear.

 Common Associations

• Chakra – if green, the heart chakra
• Numerology - vibrates to the numbers 2 and 3
• Zodiac – Sagittarius, Capricorn
• Birthstone – none
• Wedding Anniversary – none

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* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.

*** Metaphysical properties come from: 

Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.

The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals (2003) Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 399 pp.

Crystal Muse (2017) Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, Hay House, 285 pp.

Crystal Gridwork (2018) Kiera Fogg, Weiser Books, 128 pp.