Vesuvianite from Hamrefjell, Norway

This vesuvianite specimen comes from Hamrefjell in Norway. Numerous olive-green to yellowish-green vesuvianite crystals cover larger areas of the matrix and occur particularly on the display side in several cavities and depressions.

The crystals vary in size and are densely intergrown. Their three-dimensional distribution in small druses and open areas creates a varied surface with numerous reflections.

Measuring 6.8 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm, the specimen belongs to the small cabinet size category.

Olive-Green Vesuvianite Crystals in Cavities

On the front side, the vesuvianite crystals are concentrated in several open cavities. Numerous small, clearly visible crystals sit closely together and form continuous crystal coatings.

The color ranges from yellowish green to olive green, while individual areas appear darker under direct illumination. Several crystal faces show a distinct vitreous luster.

The central depressions in particular reveal the three-dimensional structure of the crystallization. The crystals are not restricted to flat surfaces but extend into the open cavities.

Crystallization Developed on Several Sides

Numerous vesuvianite crystals also occur outside the main druses. The side views show that the mineralization continues across several areas of the specimen.

The reverse differs clearly from the front. Here, the crystal coverage is more extensive and spreads across larger areas of the matrix. Individual pale to whitish associated mineral aggregates also occur and create a distinct color contrast with the greenish vesuvianite.

As a result, the specimen can be viewed from several directions and shows a different character depending on the side displayed.

Vesuvianite from Norway

Vesuvianite is a complex calcium-aluminum silicate that typically occurs in contact-metamorphic and metasomatically altered rocks. The mineral commonly forms prismatic to short-prismatic crystals and can occur in various shades of green, brown, and yellow.

In this specimen, the dense crystallization developed on several sides is the main feature. The combination of olive-green color, numerous individual crystals, and open cavities makes the piece particularly interesting for collections of Norwegian minerals and vesuvianite localities.

Compact Small Cabinet Specimen with Several Display Sides

The specimen measures 6.8 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm and weighs 141 g. Despite its relatively narrow form, the compact structure and multi-sided crystal coverage create a varied and well-defined three-dimensional crystallization.

The front is particularly well suited for displaying the drusy crystallization, while the reverse documents the more extensive distribution of vesuvianite crystals.