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Variscite
General
CategoryPhosphate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)		AlPO4·2H2O
IMA symbolVar[1]
Strunz classification8.CD.10
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPbca
Identification
ColorPale to emerald-green (pale green in transmitted light), green, blue green, yellow green, pale shades of brown or yellow, rarely red and colourless to white
Crystal habitEncrustations and reniform masses
Cleavage[010] perfect
FractureConchoidal to splintery
Mohs scale hardness4.5
LusterVitreous to waxy
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
Specific gravity2.57 to 2.61
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.563 nβ = 1.588 nγ = 1.594
Birefringenceδ = 0.031
References[2][3][4]

Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate mineral (AlPO4·2H2O). It is a relatively rare phosphate mineral. It is sometimes confused with turquoise; however, variscite is usually greener in color. The green color results from the presence of small amounts of trivalent chromium (Cr3+
).[5]

Geology[edit]

Variscite is a secondary mineral formed by direct deposition from phosphate-bearing water which has reacted with aluminium-rich rocks in a near-surface environment.[6] It occurs as fine-grained masses in nodules, cavity fillings, and crusts. Variscite often contains white veins of the calcium aluminium phosphate mineral crandallite.

It was first described in 1837 and named for the locality of Variscia, the historical name of the Vogtland, in Germany. At one time, variscite was called Utahlite. At times, materials which may be turquoise or may be variscite have been marketed as "variquoise". Appreciation of the color ranges typically found in variscite have made it a popular gem in recent years.[7]

Variscite from Nevada typically contains black spiderwebbing in the matrix and is often confused with green turquoise. Most of the Nevada variscite recovered in recent decades has come from mines located in Lander County[8] and Esmeralda County, specifically in the Candelaria Hills.

Notable localities are Lucin, Snowville, and Fairfield in Utah, United States. Most recently found in Wyoming as well. It is also found in Germany, Australia, Poland, Spain,[9] Italy (Sardinia) and Brazil.

Jewelry[edit]

Variscite has been used in Europe to make personal ornaments, especially beads, since Neolithic times. Its use continued during the Bronze Age and in Roman times, although it was not until the 19th century that it was determined that all the variscite used in Europe came from three sites in Spain, Gavá (Barcelona), Palazuelo de las Cuevas (Zamora), and Encinasola (Huelva).[10]

Variscite is sometimes used as a semi-precious stone, and is popular for carvings and ornamental use due to its beautiful and intense green color, and is commonly used in silversmithing in place of turquoise. Variscite is more rare and less common than turquoise, but because it is not as commonly available as turquoise or as well known to the general public, raw variscite tends to be less expensive than turquoise.[7][5][11]

Gallery[edit]

  • Cut slab of variscite at the Smithsonian. Specimen is roughly 0.5 m wide.
    Cut slab of variscite at the Smithsonian. Specimen is roughly 0.5 m wide.
  • Variscite filling the cracks in siltstone. The sample is from Queensland, Australia. The width of the view is 11 cm (4.3 in).
    Variscite filling the cracks in siltstone. The sample is from Queensland, Australia. The width of the view is 11 cm (4.3 in).
  • Polished variscite from Nevada
    Polished variscite from Nevada
  • Variscite and silver bolo tie. This variscite specimen contains inclusions of white crandallite and is from Clay Canyon near Fairfield, Utah.
    Variscite and silver bolo tie. This variscite specimen contains inclusions of white crandallite and is from Clay Canyon near Fairfield, Utah.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Warr, L. N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. Vol. 85, no. 3. Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland. pp. 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ "Variscite" (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. RRUFF Project.
  3. ^ Variscite, Mindat.org
  4. ^ Variscite Mineral Data, WebMineral.com
  5. ^ a b "Variscite Gemstone Information".
  6. ^ Roncal-Herrero, T.; Rodríguez-Blanco, J. D.; Benning, L. G.; Oelkers, E. H. (2009). "Precipitation of Iron and Aluminum Phosphates Directly from Aqueous Solution as a Function of Temperature from 50 to 200 °C". Crystal Growth & Design. 9 (12): 5197–5205. doi:10.1021/cg900654m.
  7. ^ a b Minerals of Nevada – Nevada Bureau of Mines Special Pub. 31 University of Nevada Press, 2004 Pages 78–81
  8. ^ Gemstones of North America Volume III by John Sinkankas – Geoscience Press 1997
  9. ^ "www.patrimonigava.cat". www.patrimonigava.cat.
  10. ^ Calvo Rebollar, Miguel (2015). Minerales y Minas de España. Vol. VII. Fosfatos, Arseniatos y Vanadatos (in Spanish). Madrid: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas de Madrid. Fundación Gómez Pardo. pp. 260–276.
  11. ^ "Variscite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information – International Gem Society".
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variscite

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