Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Epidote vs Vesuvianite
Epidote and Vesuvianite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Epidote and Vesuvianite
- Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Epidote leaves a white to grayish streak on unglazed porcelain, Vesuvianite leaves white.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Epidote is Transparent to opaque, Vesuvianite is translucent.
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Epidote also comes in black and Vesuvianite also comes in brown and blue.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Epidote is Monoclinic, Vesuvianite is tetragonal.
Epidote vs Vesuvianite properties
| Property | Epidote | Vesuvianite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 | 6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White to grayish | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.3–3.5 | 3.4 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Pistachio green, Yellowish green, Dark green, Black | Green, Brown, Yellow, Blue |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $10–$350+ |
Which is more valuable?
Vesuvianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $20 for Epidote, and premium Vesuvianite can reach $350 or more.
About Epidote
Epidote is a calcium aluminum iron sorosilicate with the approximate formula Ca2Al2(Fe3+,Al)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH), instantly recognizable to many collectors by its distinctive pistachio-green color. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, typically as elongated, striated prismatic crystals. The color and composition vary with the ratio of iron to aluminum, grading toward the related mineral clinozoisite as iron decreases.
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.
Epidote vs Vesuvianite FAQ
Is Epidote the same as Vesuvianite?
No. Epidote is a mineral while Vesuvianite is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Epidote from Vesuvianite?
Both sit near Mohs 6–7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Epidote leaves a white to grayish streak on unglazed porcelain, Vesuvianite leaves white. Hold a thin edge to the light: Epidote is Transparent to opaque, Vesuvianite is translucent.
Which is harder, Epidote or Vesuvianite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6–7.
Which is more valuable, Epidote or Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $20 for Epidote, and premium Vesuvianite can reach $350 or more.
