Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Grossular vs Vesuvianite
Grossular and Vesuvianite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7.5, 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 Grossular and Vesuvianite
- Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Grossular is Transparent to translucent, Vesuvianite is translucent.
- They overlap in green, yellow, and brown, but Grossular also comes in clear, orange, and pink and Vesuvianite also comes in blue.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Grossular is Cubic, Vesuvianite is tetragonal.
Grossular vs Vesuvianite properties
| Property | Grossular | Vesuvianite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous to resinous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.4–3.8 | 3.4 |
| Crystal system | Cubic | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, Green, Yellow, Orange (hessonite), Brown, Pink | 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 Grossular, and premium Vesuvianite can reach $350 or more.
About Grossular
Grossular is the calcium aluminum member of the garnet group, Ca3Al2(SiO4)3, notable for its unusually broad color range that spans colorless, green, yellow, orange, red, and brown depending on trace element substitutions. It forms characteristically in calcium-rich metamorphic rocks such as skarns and impure marbles, where it crystallizes during contact or regional metamorphism. Its name derives from the botanical genus for gooseberries, referencing the pale green color of the type specimens from Siberia.
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.
Grossular vs Vesuvianite FAQ
Is Grossular the same as Vesuvianite?
No. Grossular is a mineral while Vesuvianite is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Grossular from Vesuvianite?
Both sit near Mohs 6.5–7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Grossular is Transparent to translucent, Vesuvianite is translucent. They overlap in green, yellow, and brown, but Grossular also comes in clear, orange, and pink and Vesuvianite also comes in blue.
Which is harder, Grossular or Vesuvianite?
Grossular is harder: Mohs 6.5–7.5 against Mohs 6.5 for Vesuvianite.
Which is more valuable, Grossular or Vesuvianite?
Vesuvianite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $20 for Grossular, and premium Vesuvianite can reach $350 or more.
