Vesuvianite is a fascinating mineral found originally on the volcano, Mt Vesuvius in Italy, hence one of the names. The other name is Idocrase, which is from the Greek and means mixed form, an allusion to its crystals showing a mixture of other mineral forms. It is also called Californite (American jade, California jade, Feather River jade, Happy Camp jade, Pulga jade, and Vesuvianite jade), Cyprine, and Egeran. Vesuvianite is a somewhat rare and beautiful gemstone that can rival many other minerals for interest among mineral collectors and jewelry makers. The Vesuvianite I work with also comes from Happy Camp in Northern California.
