This vesuvianite crystal from the Fushan Mine in Hebei, China, shows classic tetragonal symmetry with sharp terminations, striated faces, and a bold geometric form. Its earthy brown to olive tones shift to golden translucence along the edges, and when backlit, it glows with fiery red-orange hues that reveal its gemmy interior. Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, forms in metamorphosed limestones and skarn deposits through contact metamorphism, where igneous heat and hydrothermal fluids create vibrant mineral assemblages. Crystals from this locality are admired for their prismatic habit, vitreous luster, and varying transparency from translucent to near-gem quality. With a hardness of 6.5 on the Mohs scale, a refractive index of 1.70–1.75, and a density of 3.3–3.4 g/cm³, this durable silicate mineral is often found alongside garnet, diopside, and calcite. This specimen comes from the old collection of Luiz Menezes, one of Brazil’s most respected mineral dealers, adding historic and collector value to its geological beauty.

For the believers: 

Vesuvianite is a stone of courage, renewal, and transformation, believed to dissolve negative patterns and bring clarity, strength, and optimism. It resonates strongly with the heart chakra, opening pathways for compassion, trust, and creativity while inspiring new beginnings. The fiery energy within this crystal is said to ground yet uplift, encouraging balance and manifestation—and in its rare double-terminated form, it channels energy in both directions, amplifying its power as a tool for growth and personal empowerment.

Approximate measurements: 39.88 x 38.96 x 17.93 mm

Weight: 44.26 g