1.5" Vesuvianite & Diopside Crystal Cluster - Jeffrey Mine, Canada

This is a lustrous, 1.5" wide association of vesuvianite and diopside crystals from the famous Jeffrey Mine in Quebec, Canada. Now that this mine is closed, these specimens are getting hard to come by. This specimen was collected by Tony Gordian.

Vesuvianite, also known as idocrase, is a green, brown, yellow, or blue silicate mineral. Vesuvianite occurs as tetragonal crystals in skarn deposits and limestones that have been subjected to contact metamorphism. It was first discovered within included blocks or adjacent to lavas on Mount Vesuvius, hence its name. Attractive-looking crystals are sometimes cut as gemstones.

Diopside is a pyroxene mineral with the chemical formula MgCaSi₂O₆. It is often found as small green crystals within metamorphic and igneous rocks, though it can vary in color including yellow, brown, and black. It is an important indicator rock when searching for deep-source volcanic pipes that may or may not contain diamonds. Geologists searching for these pipes often look for diopside crystal fragments, since they form in nearly the same atmospheric conditions and locations as diamonds. Diopside with deep green coloration is known as chrome diopside.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Vesuvianite & Diopside
LOCATION
Jeffrey Mine, Asbestos, Quebec, Canada
SIZE
1.5 x 1.1"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#134428