Vesuvianite

Introduction: Vesuvianite forms striking, prismatic crystals, which are purple, green, black, red or white in colour. It is often confused with epidote. First discovered in Mount Vesuvius in Italy, where some crystals where found in volcanic rocks.

Distribution: Kombat Mine, the Otjua skarn, 30km north of Omaruru and at the Ais dome skarn north of Uis.

Composition: Silicate

Crystal system: Tetragonal

Lustre: Vitreous, resinous

Streak: White

Hardness: 6-7