Magnesiovesuvianite is a rare magnesium-dominant member of the vesuvianite group, typically found in skarn environments. It forms prismatic crystals that are visually indistinguishable from common vesuvianite without analytical testing. Collectors generally identify it through proximity to specific magnesian-rich geological formations.
Is this magnesiovesuvianite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch magnesiovesuvianite with a known reference. Magnesiovesuvianite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Magnesiovesuvianite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside magnesiovesuvianite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiovesuvianite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₁₉Mg(Al₁₁Mg)Si₁₈O₆₉(OH)₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.30 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- Of hydrothermal origin in cavities in a garnet-bearing rodingite
Where rockhounds find magnesiovesuvianite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tuydo combe, near Lojane, Republic of Macedonia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of hydrothermal origin in cavities in a garnet-bearing rodingite. If you start seeing calcite, grossular-andradite, clinochlore in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiovesuvianite?+
Where is magnesiovesuvianite found?+
What rocks look like magnesiovesuvianite?+
What minerals are found with magnesiovesuvianite?+
What kind of rock does magnesiovesuvianite form in?+
What is magnesiovesuvianite used for?+
Find magnesiovesuvianite on the map
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