Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Calcite vs Vesuvianite
Calcite and Vesuvianite are easy to confuse. Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Calcite (Mohs 3), so Vesuvianite will scratch Calcite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Calcite and Vesuvianite
- Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Calcite (Mohs 3), so Vesuvianite will scratch Calcite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
- Vesuvianite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.4 versus 2.7 for Calcite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Calcite is transparent, Vesuvianite is translucent.
- They overlap in yellow, blue, and green, but Calcite also comes in clear, orange, and pink and Vesuvianite also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Calcite is trigonal, Vesuvianite is tetragonal.
Calcite vs Vesuvianite properties
| Property | Calcite | Vesuvianite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 6.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 3.4 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Pink | Green, Brown, Yellow, Blue |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$100+ | $10–$350+ |
Which is more valuable?
Vesuvianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $15 for Calcite, and premium Vesuvianite can reach $350 or more.
About Calcite
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth, found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It's the primary component of limestone and marble.
About Vesuvianite
Vesuvianite, also called idocrase, is a calcium aluminum silicate that typically forms prismatic crystals or massive aggregates. Usually green to brown, it is a characteristic skarn mineral and an occasional gemstone for collectors.
Calcite vs Vesuvianite FAQ
Is Calcite the same as Vesuvianite?
No. Calcite is a mineral while Vesuvianite is a silicate mineral. Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Calcite (Mohs 3), so Vesuvianite will scratch Calcite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not.
How can you tell Calcite from Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is harder (Mohs 6.5) than Calcite (Mohs 3), so Vesuvianite will scratch Calcite and not the other way round. A copper coin (Mohs 3.5) scratches it, but a fingernail does not. Vesuvianite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.4 versus 2.7 for Calcite). Hold a thin edge to the light: Calcite is transparent, Vesuvianite is translucent.
Which is harder, Calcite or Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is harder: Mohs 6.5 against Mohs 3 for Calcite.
Which is more valuable, Calcite or Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $15 for Calcite, and premium Vesuvianite can reach $350 or more.
