Californite is a variety of the mineral vesuvianite, known for its green color and resemblance to jade. It’s often found in massive, compact forms, making it suitable for cabochons and jewelry. While sometimes marketed as “Happy Camp Jade” or “California Jade,” it’s considered a jade simulant rather than true jade.

Key Characteristics:
Composition: Primarily vesuvianite.
Color: Typically green, ranging from apple green to lime green, with variations in hue and intensity.
Appearance: Translucent to opaque, with a compact, cryptocrystalline structure.

Relationship to Jade: Often confused with jade due to its similar appearance, but it is not a true jadeite.

More Details:
The green color is primarily due to the presence of chromium (Cr3+) in the vesuvianite structure, with contributions from iron (Fe3+) and manganese (Mn3+).

The massive variety of vesuvianite is often called “Californite”. This name has been given by the American mineralogist G.F. Kunz after his study about some samples coming from Happy Camp, Siskiyou County, Californite coming from that area today is sometimes marketed as “Happy Camp Jade”.

Vesuvianite is typically found in areas that have been subjected to contact metamorphism events involving impure limestones, and its typically associated with grossular garnet.

USES

It is used as an ornamental stone and in jewelry, especially cabachons and earrings. Its color may vary from apple to lime green. Occasionally the material has vivid green chromium inclusions that stand out against a lighter background.

MOHS HARDNESS

6.5

LUSTER

It typically exhibits a dull luster. It’s also known as “California Jade” or “American Jade”. When polished, it can have a smooth, glossy surface, but the general appearance is more matte than shiny.

CHEMICAL COMPOUND

Ca10(Mg, Fe)2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH,F)4 indicates that it’s a calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum silicate with hydroxide and fluoride groups.

WHERE TO FIND

Primarily found in Northern California. It’s known for its occurrence in and around Happy Camp, Siskiyou County, at the Pulga deposit in Butte County, and at Sky Blue Hill, Crestmore, Riverside County. 

Outside California:
Russia: Californite has been found in the Brem stream, Munilkan river basin, Tas-Khayakhtakh Range, Dogdo River Basin, Polar Yakutia, Sakha.

Switzerland: Another location where Californite has been discovered.

DIAGNOSTIC PROPERTIES

It has a specific gravity between 3.32 and 3.47, and a refractive index range of 1.700 to 1.725