Vesuvianite, also known as Idocrase, is a calcium aluminum magnesium silicate mineral. The color range is green, purple/red (pale magenta), white brown, or yellow. The name Vesuvianite is derived from the location of Mount Vesuvius in Italy where it was discovered.
Vesuvianite: Meanings, Benefits and Properties
Vesuvianite / Idocrase connects to all the chakras depending on the color but especially the solar plexus and heart chakras.
Yellow/green Vesuvianite connects to the solar plexus and heart chakras allowing for the integration of the energies of one’s heart center with those of one’s personal will. It helps one to become assertive and have the courage to move forward on one’s path.
Pink/purple/red Vesuvianite connects to the heart chakra, this helps one to act with a heart-centered awareness and not allow ego will control one’s actions.
Vesuvianite / Idocrase helps one overcome negative thought patterns and emotions such as fear that are preventing one from moving forward, allowing one to make changes that are in alignment with one’s truth.
Associated Chakras
- Solar Plexus
- Heart
Physical Ailment
- Physical Support
Emotional Issue
- Assertiveness
- Fear-based Emotions
- Negativity – Overcoming
Spiritual Connection
- Alignment to Divine Will
- Insight
Vesuvianite History
It was first discovered within included blocks or adjacent to lavas on Mount Vesuvius, hence its name. Attractive-looking crystals are sometimes cut as gemstones.
The name “vesuvianite” was given by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1795 because fine crystals of the mineral are found at Vesuvius; these are brown and occur in the ejected limestone blocks of Monte Somma. Several other names were applied to this species, one of which, “idocrase” by René Just Haüy in 1796, is now in common use.
Vesuvianite Sources
Localities that have yielded fine crystallized specimens include Mount Vesuvius and the Ala Valley near Turin, Piedmont.
A sky-bluish variety known as cyprine has been reported from Franklin, New Jersey, and other locations; the blue is due to impurities of copper in a complex calcium aluminum sorosilicate. Californite is a name sometimes used for jade-like vesuvianite, also known as California jade, American jade, or Vesuvianite jade.
Xanthite is a manganese-rich variety. Wiluite is an optically positive variety from Wilui, Siberia. Idocrase is an older synonym sometimes used for gemstone-quality vesuvianite.
