Characteristics of Variscite:

Chemical Name: Aluminum phosphate

Formula: AIPO42H2O

Colors: Pale to apple-green

Structure: Orthorhombic

Hardness: 3.5-4.5

Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.6

Refractive Index: 1.55-1.59

Lustre: Vitreous to waxy

Streak: White

Locations: Australia, Czech Republic, Austria, Venezuela, USA

What is Variscite? 

Found as fine-grained masses, in veins, crusts, or in nodules, and occasionally as crystals, Variscite is valued as semiprecious gemstone for cabochons, carvings, and as an ornamental material. Black webbing sometimes occurs in the matrix of the Variscite local to Nevada, USA and this form of the mineral is often confused with green turquoise; cabochons originating in Nevada that look like turquoise but are in fact Variscite maybe sold as “Variquoise”. Variscite is porous and can discolor if worn next to the skin.

Variscite is named for Variscia, the old name for the German district of Voightland, where it was first discovered in 1837.