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vesuvianite

vesuvianite

9.9
A green, yellow, or brown mineral found in limestone and used as a gem
  • noun
  • /vəˈsuːviəˌnaɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vesuvianita
  • The jeweler showed me a stunning vesuvianite stone that sparkled brilliantly under the light.

Examples

  • In the museum, we learned that vesuvianite is often found in limestone deposits and used in various jewelry pieces.

  • Many collectors seek out vesuvianite for its unique colors and crystal formations.

  • Photo (color): Vesuvianite miners from the Zhob District of Baluchistan tap the same mineral source that Indus craftsmen did.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

idocrase
vsvesuvianite
  • Specialized
9.9

A green, yellow, or brown stone that forms in limestone and is used in jewelry

has brighter green tones rather than ordinary green
vesuvian
vsvesuvianite
  • Specialized
9.9

A green, yellow, or brown mineral used as a gem

has brighter green tones rather than normal green

Surface Forms

vesuvianite singular
vesuvianites plural

Morphology

vesuvianite = Vesuvian (transparent) = vesuvian + ite

The word is formed from the adjective 'Vesuvian' plus the mineral-forming suffix '-ite', so the mineral name is directly derivable from its base.

Etymology

The word vesuvianite comes from Vesuvius, the famous volcano in Italy, and the ending -ite, which means 'stone' or 'mineral'. So the name reminds us that this bright green, yellow, or brown gem was first found near Mount Vesuvius and is a kind of mineral used as a gemstone.