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 6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesiovesuvianite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesiovesuvianite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, green, yellow, colorless.
- 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
- Ca₁₉Mg₃Al₈(Si₂O₇)₄(SiO₄)₁₀(OH)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Contact Metamorphosed Limestone
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find magnesiovesuvianite
Classic worldwide localities
- Italy
- Canada
- USA
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in contact metamorphosed limestone country — that is the host setting where magnesiovesuvianite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, wollastonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiovesuvianite?+
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How much is magnesiovesuvianite worth?+
What rocks look like magnesiovesuvianite?+
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Find magnesiovesuvianite on the map
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