Gemstone Series: Vesuvianite

Vesuvianite is a gem form of the mineral idocrase. Vesuvianite is usually an olive green color, but idocrase also occurs in yellow-brown and pale blue. It is a complicated calcium aluminum silicate mineral, with a wide range of compositions and therefore physical properties. It has a Moh’s hardness of 6.5 (which is comparable to quartz), and it is pretty durable.

Deposits of vesuvianite are found in Brazil, Mexico, Kenya, Russia, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, and the United States (Schumann, Gemstones of the World).

Vesuvianite is found in skarns (limestones that have been subjected to contact metamorphism). Vesuvianite got its name from the volcano Vesuvius, where it was first found.

Other varieties of idocrase include cyprine (light blue), Californite (also called California Jade), xanthite, and wiluite.

According to thatcrystalsite.com: “Vesuvianite provides a link to the higher self and the information it offers to the soul in incarnation. Psychologically, it releases feelings of imprisonment and restraint. It is helpful for healing past-life experiences of being a prisoner, of extreme danger, or of mental or emotional restraint; it gently dissolves anger and alleviates fear, creating inner security. Vesuvianite (Idocrase) has powerful mental connections. It opens the mind and clears negative thought patterns so that the mind can function more clearly. It stimulates inventiveness and the urge to discover, linking this into creativity. Vesuvianite can be used to promote loyalty to mankind. It represents cooperative effort and is a wonderful stone to present to newlyweds, business associates, friends and acquaintances. It also assists in the control of the creative and intuitive aspects of the inner realm. Unlocks and stabilizes the mental faculties, helping to clear negative thought patterns from the mental, emotional, an physical bodies and helps one to recognize that which is important to further ones advancement along the spiritual path.”

More information on vesuvianite can be found at webminerals.com and mineral galleries.com.

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