22.42 grams Vesuvianite bunch from Pakistan

What is Vesuvianite?

Vesuvianite is also known as idocrase. It is mined from Fata, Pakistan. Vesuvianite  is a noteworthy silicate mineral found in skarn deposits. 

This is formed through contact metamorphism. While it typically occurs in calc-silicate rocks, where limestone interacts with igneous intrusions. Vesuvianite from this region often appears as well-formed, prismatic crystals, showcasing colors ranging from olive-green to brown due to iron content. Its structure, composed of complex silicate chains, contributes to its high hardness (6.5 on the Mohs scale) and vitreous luster. The mineral's unique crystallography and association with garnet, diopside, and other calc-silicate minerals make it a prized specimen among collectors and geologists.