Definition

Noun: 1. A mineral: A green, yellow, or brown mineral composed of a hydrated calcium magnesium aluminum silicate. It typically forms distinct, prismatic crystals and is found in metamorphosed limestone. It is also used as a gemstone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The geologist identified the crystal as vesuvian due to its characteristic tetragonal shape.
  • Some transparent varieties of vesuvian are cut and polished for use in jewelry.

Advanced Usage

• "Vesuvianite": This is the more modern and technically precise name for the mineral. "Vesuvian" is an older term that remains in common use.
  • The specimen was confirmed to be vesuvianite under spectroscopic analysis.

Variants and Related Words

• Vesuvianite (n): The modern mineralogical name for vesuvian.
• Idocrase (n): Another synonym for vesuvianite, occasionally used in mineralogy.

Synonyms

• Vesuvianite (mineralogy)
• Idocrase (mineralogy)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "Vesuvian" (capitalized) can also refer to something relating to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano in Italy. However, as a standalone, uncapitalized noun, "vesuvian" almost exclusively refers to the mineral.
  • Example: The Vesuvian eruption of 79 AD was catastrophic. (Relating to the volcano)
  • Example: He collected a fine vesuvian crystal. (Referring to the mineral)

Noun

1. a green or yellow or brown mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate; it occurs as crystals in limestone and is used a gemstone