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Sorosilicate

Vesuvianite

Green, yellow-green, brown; rarely blue (cyprine) or pink

Brown Green Yellow
Optical properties

Optical characteristics

Ref. index
1.7 – 1.752
Birefringence
0.006
Luster
Vitreous to resinous
Pleochroism
Weak Weak dichroism: greenish to yellowish-green.
Fluorescence
Inert to weak.
Origins

Source localities

Russia Russia: Ural Mountains / Siberia
Significant

Classic source for alexandrite, demantoid, diamond and nephrite.

20% est. supply
Pakistan Pakistan: Shigar / Swat / Sapat Valley
Significant

Important source for aquamarine, topaz, peridot, tourmaline and rare minerals.

18% est. supply
Italy Italy: Val Malenco / alpine localities
Major ★ Top Source

Known for demantoid and collector minerals; Vesuvius and Monte Somma are the type localities for vesuvianite.

25% est. supply
United States USA: major gem fields
Significant

Diverse sources; California (Fresno and Siskiyou counties) produces 'californite' vesuvianite.

22% est. supply
Austria Austria: Tyrol / Zillertal
Significant

Known for alpine minerals and gem crystals.

15% est. supply
Inclusions

Inclusions & features

Crystals Crystal Inclusions Under 10x loupe: solid, well-formed mineral crystals trapped inside the host gem. They may… Zoning Color Zoning Under 10x loupe in immersion: bands or patches of deeper or lighter color arranged… Fractures Fingerprint Inclusions Under 10x loupe: curved or wavy lines of tiny dots forming patterns that look…
Identification

Instruments used

Refractometer Measures refractive index, the backbone of gem identification 10x Loupe Your most-used instrument, start every examination here Polariscope Determines single vs. double refraction, quick and conclusive Hydrostatic Scale Measures specific gravity, works even on opaque stones Dichroscope Reveals pleochroism, instantly eliminates singly-refractive stones