Vesuvianite

Vesuivanite [Ca₁₉(Al,Mg,Fe³⁺)₁₃(SiO₄)₁₀(Si₂O₇)₄O(OH,F)₉] Small, finely crystalline aggregate of vesuvianite, displaying reddish-brown to purplish-brown colouration and vitreous lustre. Numerous closely intergrown, subhedral to locally euhedral crystals form a dense, drusy crystalline surface. Crystal size is generally very fine, with locally developed larger crystals. Vesuvianite is a complex calcium-aluminium silicate, commonly represented by the formula Ca₁₉(Al,Mg,Fe³⁺)₁₃(SiO₄)₁₀(Si₂O₇)₄O(OH,F)₉. It occurs in a wide range of colours and typically forms in calcium-rich metamorphic environments, particularly skarns and other rocks affected by contact metamorphism. Note Locality: Asbestos (now Val-des-Sources), Québec, Canada.