Cavansite
Cavansite (Calcium Vanadium Silicate) · Mineral Specimen / Collector Mineral
Crystal System
Orthorhombic; typically forms in radiant spherulites (rosettes), acicular radiating clusters, or tiny prismatic crystals often found within basaltic vugs.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Phyllosilicate)
Chemical Formula
Ca(V4+O)Si4O10·4H2O (Hydrated Calcium Vanadium Silicate)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal mineral forming as a secondary mineral in the vesicles (gas bubbles) of altered basaltic and andesitic rocks.
About This Crystal
Easily identified by its brilliant electric blue to teal color. It typically appears as small radiating clusters or 'pompoms' perched on a matrix of white Stilbite or dark Basalt. The luster is vitreous to pearly, and crystals are generally translucent to opaque.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Deep sky blue to greenish-blue. Streak: Bluish-white. Cleavage: Good on [010]. Specific Gravity: 2.21 - 2.31. Tenacity: Brittle. Does not typically fluoresce.
Optical Properties
Biaxial (+); Refractive Index: 1.542 - 1.551. Birefringence: 0.009. Pleochroism is strong (colorless to deep blue).
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Wagholi Quarry, Pune District, Maharashtra, India (Primary source); also found in Oregon, USA.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness: 3 to 4. Very fragile and soft; not suitable for most jewelry applications unless protected.
Care & Maintenance
Handle with extreme care to avoid breaking the delicate radiating crystals. Clean only with a soft brush and cool, distilled water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Rarity & Value
Relatively rare and highly sought after by collectors. Value is dictated by the vibrancy of the blue color and the contrast against the matrix. Specimens from Pune, India are the world standard.
Special Characteristics
Distinctive electric blue color caused by presence of Vanadium. Often forms aesthetic associations with Heulandite or Stilbite, creating high-contrast 'flower' specimens.
Lore & History
First discovered in 1967 in Malheur County, Oregon, but the finest specimens appeared later in India. In metaphysical traditions, it is associated with the Throat and Third Eye chakras and is believed to aid in clear communication and intuition.