Vesuvianite is one of those rare crystals that is often difficult to find in mainstream jewelry stores. The rare chartreuse shade and glossy texture of Vesuvianite make it an ideal choice for intricate jewelry designs. Vesuvianite also finds applications in healing, thanks to its strong metaphysical properties.

Since its discovery near Mt. Vesuvius in Italy, the crystals have been found in various vivid shades and forms across the world. People also compare Vesuvianite with grossular garnets as both these stones feature resembling patterns when properly cut and polished.

What is Vesuvianite?

Vesuvianite, also known as Idocrase, is made of a combination of calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, and silicate hydroxide compounds. It belongs to the class of Soro-silicate minerals. Most commonly found in green, yellowish-green, and brown shades. Vesuvianites can also be white, red, purple, violet, blue-green to blue depending upon the region from where it is mined.

You might have also heard people calling  , but all of these names generally refer to the same stone. Its alternative name Idocrase originates from the Greek words idos and krasis, which mean 'mixed appearance.'

Where is Vesuvianite found?

Vesuvianite gets its name from Mt. Vesuvius, the place where people found it for the first time. There are multiple sub-varieties of the stone, such as Cyprine – bright blue and Californite - green in color, and it looks pretty similar to jade stone. Cyprine is commonly found in Norway, while Californite gets its name from California, the state where it is most widely produced.

Vesuvianite deposits are also located in Quebec, Russia, Switzerland, Quebec, Pakistan, and even Siberia . There are slight variations in the stone's color depending upon the number of inclusions in the stone. Generally, Vesuvianites are found in skam deposits and limestones that have undergone metamorphism.

Morphology, Composition, and Hardness

The chemical formula of Vesuvianite is Ca10(Mg, Fe)2Al4Si9O34(OH)4. The chemical composition test can help identify the stone. Vesuvianite has a hardness of only 6.5 on the Mohs scale,  making it vulnerable to scratching and abrasion by harder minerals such as Quartz or Topaz.  Vesuvianite crystals are generally well-formed and prismatic in shape with a tetragonal crystal structure and may contain inclusions.

People often find vesuvianite crystals intergrown with grossulars.  The refractive index of Vesuvianite ranges between 1.655 and 1.795, another physical property that is used to obtain a color spectrum for identifying the crystal.

What is Vesuvianite Used for?

Vesuvianites are commonly used for jewelry, ornaments, and embellishments. You can find earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings engraved with this majestic green stone. People also prefer buying simple, ornamental crystals in the shape of balls, pyramids, cubes, and rough chunks for their spiritual healing abilities.

Spiritual Healing with Vesuvianite

Vesuvianite crystals are reported to be beneficial for your physical health. They are said to strengthen the enamel and improve your sense of smell. These crystals may also aid with the healing of your skin and help prevent skin breakouts. People also use Vesuvianite to help their bodies absorb more minerals and nutrition from food.

Vesuvianite is regarded as an energy stone with strong vibrations. It finds its use in enhancing the healing process for people with high blood pressure, poor circulation, anemia, or cardiac diseases. Crystal healers also recommend Vesuvianite for treating people with varicose veins or lack of strength in their hands and feet.

The metaphysical properties of Vesuvianite can also help energize your aura and help you connect spiritually with nature. It is also known to combat negative thoughts and help bring back the zeal and enthusiasm to achieve more.

Vesuvianite: Chakras and  Birthstone

In metaphysics, Vesuvianite is known for its powerful vibrations that strongly resonate with its primary chakra, the heart chakra. Vesuvianite's metaphysical properties also work well with the throat, crown, and sacral chakra. It is believed that any imbalance in your chakras can lead to sudden outbursts of emotions, lack of self-worth, or creative blockages.

Chakra experts suggest that Vesuvianite can encourage the feeling of compassion and help promote your healing abilities. It is also suggested that these crystals might help you accept the changes in your life and improve your thoughts by balancing the energy of your chakras. Often known as the stone that lets you 'follow your heart's desire,' Vesuvianite may help you embrace your higher self and move forward in your life.

With the stone's ability to combine with the throat chakra, people find it helpful to encourage their creative abilities and help them be more truthful. Vesuvianite is also known to act within the sacral chakra, which may help heal your gut problems.

Vesuvianite is the birthstone for Sagittarius and Capricorn zodiac signs and is often recommended as birthstone jewelry to people born between 22nd November and 19th January.

How to Determine Vesuvianite Quality?

Vesuvianites are not very valuable, so there are lesser chances that you might get a fake stone. If you want to identify a good Vesuvianite crystal, look for the color and opacity. The expensive variants of Vesuvianite, such as the blue Cyprine or green jade-like Vesuvianites, are often very clear and transparent. A vesuvianite crystal that has a lot of inclusions will appear dark and hazy.

Vesuvianite Gemstone Care

As Vesuvianite has a hardness of only 6.5 on the Mohs scale, it is not as hard as other crystals. So, if you are wearing jewelry with multiple stones, ensure that you take proper care to avoid scratches and indentations. Avoid wearing vesuvianite jewelry and ornaments if you're outdoors or plan to engage in physical activities, as there are chances of it getting damaged.

While storing Vesuvianite, ensure that you do not store it with other crystals – rubbing stones together may damage the polish. The best way would be to wrap your vesuvianite crystals in a piece of cloth and store it in a separate box. If you want to clean your crystals, use warm water or mild detergents, as using harsh chemicals can damage the stone.

The 4Cs of Vesuvianite

Color: Vesuvianite is characterized by its chartreuse or greenish appearance. Other variations are also found in yellowish-green, brown, blue, red, and even purple hues.

Cut: Generally, Vesuvianites are cut into beads and cabochons for jewelry. You can also find the stone cut into simple pieces such as tumbled stones, pyramids, balls, and cubes.

Clarity: Vesuvianite has a vitreous or resinous appearance due to the presence of limestone and other inclusions. Clear and transparent vesuvianites are more expensive and generally hard to find.

Carat: The commonly found Vesuvianite crystals come in sizes ranging from 2 carats to 10 carats.  The maximum expected size for green Vesuvianite can also go as high as 15 carats.

Where can you buy Vesuvianite?

Vesuvianite can be difficult to find at your local jewelry and gem stores. If you wish to buy these gorgeous stones for jewelry or believe in these stones' healing abilities, an online store can help your quest. An online store such as GemsforJewels can help you find beautiful Vesuvianite stones based on the size, colors, or jewelry patterns. You can also be assured of the quality and getting a good value for money when you shop at GemsforJewels.