All about Vesuvianite (aka Idocrase). I was lead to be very heart centered rather than write about what I had originally planned for this week. And so, as this one suggests, I followed my heart. And I chuckled when I realized from my notes that I researched this one almost two years ago and, for what ever reason, did not feel compelled to write about it until now. They always know when to appear and to offer what they have so freely, right when we need it. Yes! After all these years I am still in awe of the powerful effects our rocky friends provide.

4th, Heart Chakra
Color of green and/or pink
Sanskrit: Anahata

Vesuvianite allows us to embrace the desires of our higher self and the true yearnings of the heart. It gently helps us to override ego based decisions and is a strong helper for encouraging spiritual growth, and moving forward in our lives.

Crystal System...

Vesuvianite is in the Trigonal system, in the family of silicates in specifically the vesuvianite group. Individual members of this group are difficult to distinguish without detailed testing and the minerals occur in different contact rocks of metamorphic, volcanic and hydrothermal origins. It comes in a variety of colors of brown, yellow, brown-black, light green, emerald green, white, red, purple, violet, blue-green to blue. And again, it depends on the location and surrounding minerals as far as its coloring. Green is the most common, with pale browns probably being second in what is generally available in the market place.

It had been originally named "hyacinthus dictus octodecahedricus" by Moritz Anton Kappeler in 1723. Then, renamed "hyacinte du Vesuve" by Jean-Baptiste Louis Romé de L'Isle in 1772. That was possibly the inspiration for Abraham Gottlob Werner to rename the species "vesuvian" in 1795, after its discovery locality of Mount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy. Then in 1799, Rene Just Haüy introduced the name "idocrase", which became a popular name that is still used today.

Application...

Vesuvianite works best when carried with us although some prefer just during meditation. It really does seem to help 'check our egos at the door.' With all going on in the world today I found myself getting pretty stirred up about a lot of things. Several times, downright seeing red and angry. I didn't even realize when I had picked it out of my gem bowl the day I started carrying it again about a week ago. After a couple of days I literally starting seeing 'hearts' every where I looked. I came to realize the best thing I can offer to the world right now is unconditional love. And, this little beauty revealed that tidbit of truth to me.

Spiritually...

Vesuvianite can help us to develop our intuitive abilities, and to create a sense of inner security. It can also assist us in releasing beliefs that are not in our best interests. In removing ego based beliefs we gain a much higher and purer spiritual perspective. It provides a love for all of creation at a deep spiritual level and encourages us to share it with all we meet on this physical plane.

Emotionally...

Vesuvianite reminds us during the times that our ego is controlling our will that the energy that action creates dominates much of our life, and we may feel restricted and unable to follow our true path. It gives us the courage to let our heart rule our actions and not ego or fear.

Mentally...

Vesuvianite aids us in releasing fear and any old patterns, including past life issues, affecting our current life that we may be holdingon to in our sub-conscious. When we release this energy, we can then move forward with our spiritual growth, as well as make changes within other areas of our life. This forward movement can assist us in eliminating depression over certain life situations and we become able to move in a new, more positive direction. 

Physically...

Vesuvianite is known to aid the body to better assimilate minerals from food. It  may also help the healing of gut problems such as diverticulitis, to strengthen the enamel of teeth as well as helping your sense of smell, and there are instances of it healing minor skin break-outs.

Zodiac Affinity...

Vesuvianite has a special affinity with Sagittarius and Capricorn but benefits all signs. Its Energy is Receptive, its Planet and Element is Earth.

Folklore...

Vesuvianite has been given as a gift to newlyweds due to its property of being a cooperative stone that facilitates awareness of one's heart and an ability to express love.