Variscite is a rare and beautiful green mineral composed of hydrated aluminum phosphate. Its captivating green hues are often confused with the more common turquoise, but variscite tends to be greener due to the presence of trivalent chromium. The range of green shades, from bluish-green to yellowish-green, make variscite a prized material for lapidarists and jewelry makers.

The best variscite deposits come from locations across the globe, including the United States, Australia, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Brazil. In the U.S., notable occurrences are found in Utah and Nevada. Variscite forms when phosphate-rich solutions interact with aluminum-rich rocks near the surface of the Earth. The resulting nodules, veins, and masses exhibit the signature green variscite color.

As a semi-precious gemstone, variscite is frequently cut into cabochons, pendants, rings, and other jewelry. Its softness, rating 3-4.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, requires delicate cutting and care in setting. However, the beautiful green colors and unique patterns make it worthwhile. Variscite’s soothing hues are believed to aid emotional stability and bring a sense of calm. For lapidarists and jewelry makers, variscite is a rare treasure.

Composition and Chemistry

The green color of variscite comes from small amounts of trivalent chromium present in its chemical makeup. Variscite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, forming short prismatic crystals. It has a vitreous to waxy luster.

Other key identifiers of variscite include:

• Streak: White
• Hardness: 3.5 – 4.5 on Mohs scale
• Specific gravity: 2.57–2.61
• Fracture: Splintery to conchoidal

Comparison to Similar Minerals

As mentioned, variscite is often confused with turquoise, since both exhibit blue-green to green colors. However, turquoise has a bluer tint from its copper content, while variscite’s color stems from chromium. Turquoise also has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, making it slightly tougher than variscite.

Variscite may also be mistaken for malachite, another green mineral. Malachite can display banding patterns not seen in variscite. It is also harder with a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4.

Where Variscite is Found

Variscite deposits are globally distributed, occurring in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Spain.

Key Global Deposits

Notable variscite deposits have been found in Utah and Nevada in the United States, as well as in Germany, where it was first discovered and named in 1837. Lucin, Utah hosts green variscite nodules in volcanic ash beds rich in organics. Germany’s Harz Mountains and Spain’s Cordoba Province contain high-quality variscite nodules and masses.

Australia produces fine-grained variscite crusts and coatings. Variscite is also found in Brazil’s Minas Gerais, Russia’s Ural Mountains, and Poland’s Strzegom-Sobotka area.

Geologic Formation

Variscite forms near the earth’s surface when aluminum-rich rocks interact with phosphate-rich waters. The phosphate solutions are often derived from decomposition of bird guano on islands. The combination of phosphates and aluminum creates the signature hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral.

Variscite typically accumulates in cracks, nodules, veins and fine-grained masses within host rocks such as sandstone or rhyolite. Organic materials like plant debris can provide some of the phosphate.

United States Deposits

Within the U.S., variscite primarily occurs in Utah and Nevada. Notable Utah deposits are found near Fairfield, Lucin, and at the Wild Horse Mountain. These localities produce round nodules with white veins, colored masses, and rare bluish crusts of variscite.

In Nevada, variscite is abundant at several mines in Lander County. It occurs as round nodules, sometimes displaying striking black spiderweb vein patterns set against green, which are highly valued by collectors and jewelers.

Uses of Variscite

Variscite is used as an ornamental stone, for carvings, and in jewelry making. The rich green hues and unique patterns make it desirable for cabochons, beads, pendants and other decorative objects.

Ornamental Use

Variscite is fashioned into decorative items like eggs, spheres and figurines which display its fine translucent greens. Collectors also seek botryoidal and nodular variscite specimens to display. When carved into cameos, variscite’s subtle color patterns can create detailed scenes and images.

Jewelry Uses

Jewelry makers frequently cut variscite into cabochons to use in rings, pendants and other settings. Tumbled or rounded variscite pieces are made into beads for necklaces and bracelets. Variscite’s rich greens complement both earth-toned and silver jewelry.

The fine spiderweb variscite from Nevada is especially desirable for jewelry. These black spiderweb formations against light green create unique patterns when cut for cabochons.

Metaphysical Healing

In crystal healing beliefs, variscite is considered a soothing, stabilizing stone. It is thought to calm the mind, relieve stress, and promote emotional well-being. Variscite is sometimes called a “stone of lucid dreaming.” It is also associated with overcoming fears and bringing inner strength.

Variscite Colors and Patterns

One of the most appealing attributes of variscite is its range of green hues and distinctive patterns. The colors and formations make each specimen unique.

Range of Greens

Variscite can exhibit various shades of green including bluish-greens, yellowish-greens, deep greens and vivid light greens. The green color results from small amounts of chromium present when the variscite formed. In rare cases, some variscite shows violet or reddish hues caused by traces of iron.

Translucent greens are typically most valued for jewelry use. Opaque light green variscite is often carved. Rare vivid crimson-colored variscite is found in Russia’s Ural Mountains.

Unique Formations

Nevada’s variscite nodules frequently display striking black spiderweb vein patterns. These angular formations contrast beautifully with the light green variscite. Moss-like patterns and distinct concentric banding also occur. Phosphate-rich white veins called crandallite can cut through variscite masses.

Some rarer occurrences produce a nearly black variety of nodular variscite nicknamed “turtle skin” for its distinctive appearance. Variscite crusts showing botryoidal patterns are also exceptionally unique.

Causes of Color Variations

The specific chromium, iron, and aluminum content during the mineral’s formation impacts the hue of variscite. Increased chromium typically produces greener shades. More iron can create violet and reddish tints. Aluminum content affects the mineral’s translucency.

Differences in the hosting rock also influence color. Variscite in volcanic ash beds tends to be paler green than variscite formed in phosphorite deposits.

Collecting and Caring for Variscite

For mineral collectors, variscite is a desirable specimen to add to any collection of phosphate minerals. Variscite is also popular for jewelry makers to set into handcrafted designs.

Buying Variscite

Variscite can be purchased from rock and mineral dealers, gem shows, and specialty online stores. Raw mineral specimens are affordable starting around $5 per gram. Rare spiderweb nodules can cost over $100 for pieces big enough to cut cabochons.

Cut variscite cabochons will be priced higher based on the stone’s color, pattern, and carat weight. Beads cost approximately $15-30 per string depending on bead size.

Handling Variscite

With a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4.5, variscite is relatively soft and requires delicate handling. Avoid abrasives that could scratch it. Remove variscite jewelry before strenuous activity. Store specimens safely padded to prevent damage.

Variscite’s color remains stable with exposure to light. Avoid soaking in water which can dissolve and damage variscite over time. Use mild soap and water with a soft brush to gently clean variscite.

Rarity and Value

Variscite is considered a semi-precious gemstone but is relatively rare compared to similar minerals like turquoise and malachite. Quality and appearance determine variscite’s value.

Price Per Gram

Raw variscite in matrix sells for $1 to $5 per gram. Finer material or rare formations command higher prices over $10 per gram. Cut cabochons are priced individually based on the finished carat weight, color, pattern and quality.

Exceptional spiderweb variscite cabochons can sell for $100 per carat or more. Beads typically sell for $15-30 per inch depending on bead size.

Factors Affecting Value

More intense, evenly colored translucent greens are preferred. Vivid yellow-greens or blue-greens with no brown or white mottling have higher value. Distinctive formations like moss, spiderweb or botryoidal patterns also increase value for fine specimens, cabochons and beads.

Location origins influence price as well. Variscite from certain mines in Nevada and Utah is more sought-after by collectors and commands higher prices.

Comparison Table to Similar Minerals

Mineral	Chemical Composition	Hardness	Color	Patterns	Key Uses
Variscite	AlPO4·2(H2O)	3.5-4.5	Green, blue-green, yellow-green	Moss, spiderweb, banded	Jewelry, ornamental stone
Turquoise	CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4(H2O)	5-6	Blue-green	Matrix, veined	Jewelry
Malachite	Cu2(CO3)(OH)2	3.5-4	Green, banded	Banded, concentric	Jewelry, pigment
Chrysocolla	Cu2−xAlx(H2−xSi2O5)(OH)4·nH2O	2.5-4	Blue-green	Banded	Jewelry, pigment
Amazonite	KAlSi3O8	6-6.5	Blue-green	None	Ornamental stone
Dioptase	CuSiO3·H2O	5	Blue-green	None	Collector mineral
Jasper	SiO2	6.5-7	Green, red, yellow, brown	Banded, patterned	Ornamental stone

Key points:

• Variscite is relatively soft and found in shades of green, often with unique patterns.
• Turquoise is similar in appearance but harder and bluer in color. It does not display the same patterns.
• Malachite shares banded patterns but is deeper green. Chrysocolla also forms blue-green banded crusts.
• Amazonite is harder and lacks variscite’s patterns. Dioptase is more fragile with no patterns.
• Jasper can display some similar colors but has much higher hardness.

Despite having a similar appearance, variscite remains far more rare than turquoise and is priced accordingly higher. Fine turquoise cabochons sell for $50-100 per carat, while exceptional variscite can reach over $100 per carat.

Malachite is much more abundant than variscite. It sells for $2-4 per gram raw and $20-70 per carat for cabochons.

FAQs about Variscite

What causes the green color in variscite?

The green hues in variscite are caused by small amounts of chromium present in the mineral. The specific chromium content during formation impacts the shade of green.

How does variscite form?

Variscite forms when aluminum-rich rocks interact with phosphate-rich waters near the earth’s surface. The combination of phosphates and aluminum leads to the creation of hydrated aluminum phosphate.

What is the spiderweb pattern seen in some variscite?

The striking spiderweb formations found in variscite from Nevada consist of black angular vein patterns against light green variscite. These are caused by the presence of other minerals like limonite within cracks in the variscite nodules.

Is variscite considered a precious or semi-precious stone?

Variscite is considered a semi-precious gemstone, though high quality specimens with vibrant colors and distinct formations can be highly valued. Overall it remains rarer than similar ornamental stones.

How should variscite jewelry be cared for?

Variscite has a relatively soft hardness of 3.5-4.5, so jewelry should be removed before strenuous activity and stored carefully padded. Clean with mild soap and water occasionally using a soft brush.

What is the rarest type of variscite?

A nearly black nodular variety nicknamed “turtle skin” variscite is exceptionally rare, along with crimson red variscite from Russia’s Ural Mountains. Botryoidal variscite crusts are also rarely found.

Can variscite be confused with other minerals?

Variscite is often mistaken for turquoise and malachite. But it tends to be greener than turquoise and lacks malachite’s banding. Their differing hardness can help distinguish variscite.

Where are the most important variscite deposits located?

The most significant variscite deposits are found in Utah and Nevada in the United States. Lucin, Utah and several mines in Lander County, Nevada produce top quality variscite specimens.

Conclusion

Variscite is an unusually hued ornamental mineral that deserves more recognition. Its green colors can rival fine turquoise, yet variscite is far less common. The unique spiderweb and banded patterns found in variscite from certain locations make for stunning cabochons and jewelry. As supplies of high quality turquoise diminish over time, variscite may begin to take its place in jewelry fashioned by artisans. For now, variscite remains a rare find, commanding premium prices for fine collector specimens. The scarcity and stunning shades of green ensure variscite will always have a devoted following.