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Variscite
Current inventory:  1 gem
 

Chemistry:  Al(PO₄)·2(H₂O)

Discovered in 1837;   IMA status: Valid (pre-IMA; IMA approved 1967).
Variscite is named after Variscia, the historical name of Vogtland, the district in Germany which was the original source for the mineral.

Classification

Mineral Classification:

Silicates

Strunz 8th Ed. ID:

7/C.09-50

7 : Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates
C : Water-bearing phosphates without unfamiliar anions. cations of medium and small size: Be and Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg
09 : Variscite group

Crystal Data

Crystallography:

Orthorhombic - Dipyramidal

Crystal Habit:

Uncommon as crystals, then pseudo-octahedral, may be lathlike; modified by numerous smaller forms, to 1.5 mm. Usually fine-grained massive, in nodules, stalactites, crusts, and veinlets.

Physical Properties

Cleavage:

[010] Good; [001] Poor

Fracture:

Uneven to splintery, conchoidal when glassy

Tenacity:

Brittle

Moh's Hardness:

3.5 - 4.5

Density:

2.20 - 2.61 (g/cm³)

Radioactivity:

Not Radioactive

Optical Properties

Color:

Blue green, Green, Light green, Pale Brown, Pale Yellow, Colorless, rarely Red

Transparency:

Transparent to Translucent, Opaque

Luster:

Vitreous to Waxy

Refractive Index:

1.563 - 1.594  Biaxial ( - )

Birefringence:

0.0310

Dispersion:

Weak

Pleochroism:

None

Occurances

Geological Setting:

Typically deposited from phosphate-bearing waters in contact with aluminous rocks. On islands and in caves, the phosphate provided by decomposition of guano.

Type Locality:

Meßbach Quarry, Altmannsgrün, Plauen, Vogtland, Saxony, Germany

Year Discovered:

1837

View mineral photos:

Variscite Mineral Photos and Locations

More Information

Mindat.org
Webmineral.com

Variscite as crystals is very rare and minute. The massive form or as nodules is fairly common and is used for cabochons and carving. The lime green material from Utah is particularily attractive with its interesting patterns and swirls of bright green colors.
 

  
Variscite gems for sale: