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VESUVIANITEOverview: The name "Vesuvianite" is from the original locality at Mt.Vesuvius, Italy. Vesuvianite, also known as Idocrase, is a fascinating mineral found originally on the volcano, Mt Vesuvius, hence one of the names.Vesuvianite forms as a result of contact metamorphism on impure limestones and is usually found with other exotic minerals. Vesuvianite is composed of calcium, magnesium and aluminum silicate, often with some beryllium and fluorine. |
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VILLIAUMITEOverview: Villiaumite derived its name from the French explorer Villiaume. It has a typically bold red "carmine" color that is visually unique. Although its carmine-red color can be very attractive, it is very soft, cleaves easily, and is somewhat water soluble. |
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WAVELLITEOverview: It was named after W Wavell, the discoverer of the mineral.Wavellite is widespread in small amounts associated with limonite and phosphate-rock deposits and with low-grade metamorphism. |
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WULFENITEOverview: Wulfenite is named after F. X. Wulfen, an Australian mineralogist.Wulfenite is an enigma in terms of its symmetry. The lead molybdate mineral wulfenite is a minor ore of lead and molybdenum that occurs in the oxidized zone of lead deposits.It is a minor source of molybdenum and is found in the oxidized portion of lead veins with other secondary lead minerals. |
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ZIRCONOverview: Zircon is a very brilliant stone because of high refractive index. It is also very hard and well suited for a wide range of jewelry uses. Zircon’s high refractive index and strong dispersion causes it to have great brilliance. An important identification mark for all zircons, except the green, is a strong double refraction easily seen under the loupe at the facet edges. Zircon is quite brittle and sensitive to knocks and pressure. Blue and green are the most desirable zircons. |
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ZOISITEOverview: Zoisite is named after Austrian scientist Baron Sigmund Zois von Edelstein (Baron von Zois) who discovered the mineral in the Sau-Alp mountains of Austria in 1805. Zoisite is a calcium aluminium hydroxy silicate belonging to the epidote group of minerals. Zoisite was first known as Saualpite after its type locality. The mineral crystalizes in othorhombic system, is usually gray although it can be brownish, greenish, or bluish |
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