Variscite: what it is, where it's from, how to tell it's real
Variscite ranges from pale mint to deep apple green, often netted with yellow, brown or black veins. At its best it looks like fine turquoise in green, and it's rarer.
What it is
Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate. It usually forms as compact, fine-grained masses and nodules rather than visible crystals, which is why it polishes to a smooth, waxy surface. Its green comes from small amounts of chromium and vanadium. Yellow and brown veins and patches are often other phosphate minerals, such as crandallite, that formed alongside it. It's named after Variscia, an old name for the Vogtland district of Germany where it was first described.
Where it comes from
The best-known variscite comes from Utah and Nevada in the USA, where nodules and veins were mined in the early twentieth century and are still found in small amounts. Australia and a few other places also produce it. Good material has always been limited, so older American pieces are especially sought after.
How to tell real variscite
- Look for natural variation. Real variscite has natural shifts in green and a matrix of veins and patches. Perfectly even green is a warning sign.
- Watch for dyed look-alikes. Howlite and magnesite are dyed green and sold as variscite or "green turquoise." Dye gathers in cracks and can look too bright.
- Ask about stabilising. Softer, porous variscite is often stabilised with resin to make it durable. That's normal and fine, but it should be disclosed.
Looking after it
Variscite is moderately soft (around 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale) and slightly porous, so keep it away from oils, perfumes and cleaning chemicals, which can darken it. Clean it with a soft, dry cloth and store it apart from harder stones.
See the variscite pieces in the shop.
Questions
- What is variscite?
- Variscite is a green hydrated aluminium phosphate, usually found as compact masses and nodules that polish to a waxy surface.
- Where does variscite come from?
- The best-known variscite comes from Utah and Nevada in the USA; it also occurs in Australia and elsewhere.
- Is variscite the same as green turquoise?
- No. They are different minerals, though both are phosphates. Dyed howlite and magnesite are also sold as 'green turquoise'.