VESUVIANITE

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(from Vesuvius)

Also known as idocrase, this mineral forms short prismatic and pyramidal crystals. A semi-precious gemstone when transparent, vesuvianite was discovered at Mount Vesuvius, Italy. It forms in impure limestones that have been altered by contact metamorphism. It also occurs in some igneous rocks, including nepheline syenite.

Hardness: 6-7

Other characteristics.