The original Vesuvianite hailed from the area of Mount Vesuvius, of course. Most vesuvianite available is olive colored, but very different from other green gemstones. Sometimes known as idocrase, especially the gem quality stones, Vesuvianite has a look all its own. It is somewhat translucent to beautifully transparent. The very finest is of a pure, even, transparent color.

Vesuvianite, or idocrase, may also be called vessonite or vassonite.