Cavansite
| Colour | Blue, Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3 - 4 |
| Lustre | Vitreous, pearly |
| Streak | Bluish-white |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Transparency | Transparent |
| Cleavage | Good on {010} |
| Chemical formula | Ca(VO)Si 4 O 10 ·4(H 2 O) |
| Specific gravity | 2.25 - 2.33 |
What is Cavansite?
Cavansite, named for its chemical composition of calcium vanadium silicate, is a deep blue hydrous calcium vanadium phyllosilicate mineral, occurring as a secondary mineral in basaltic and andesitic rocks along with a variety of zeolite minerals. Its blue coloring comes from vanadium, a metal ion. Discovered in 1967 in Malheur County, Oregon, cavansite is a relatively rare mineral. It is polymorphic with the even rarer mineral, pentagonite. It is most frequently found in Pune, India, and in the Deccan Traps, a large igneous province.
How to identify Cavansite
- Lustre: Vitreous, pearly.
- Hardness: Mohs 3 - 4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: Bluish-white.
- Habit: Orthorhombic crystal system.
Cavansite in different forms
Stones often confused with Cavansite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Cavansite?
Cavansite is Mohs 3 - 4 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Cavansite?
Cavansite is typically blue, green (Brilliant sky-blue to greenish blue).