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