Mineralpedia Details for Variscite
Variscite
Variscite is named for the old word for Vogtland, Variscia, which is the district in Germany from which Variscite gets its type locality. Generally, Variscite results from phosphate-rich waters interacting with aluminum-rich rocks. It can also be found on islands and in caves as a result of the phosphate provided by guano. Variscite is widely dispersed around the world at several localities. Sometimes used as a gem for jewelery.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/variscite.pdf
- Formula
- AlPO4·2H2O
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal Habit
- Massive, Encrustations, Reniform
- Cleavage
- Perfect, None, None
- Luster
- Earthy (Dull)
- Color
- blue green, colorless, green, light green
- Streak
- white
- Class
- Orthorhombic - Dipyramidal
- Fracture
- Conchoidal
- Hardness
- 4-5
- WebMineral
- View Variscite
- Mindat
- View Variscite
Variscite from Canarana, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Brilliant, emerald green with excellent luster Variscite crystal aggregates to 3mm.
Variscite from Boa Vista, Galileia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Brilliant cherry red well-defined, clusters of Variscite crystals forming tiny single spheroids to about 0.3mm on white Quartz with purple Strengite.
Variscite from Little Green Monster mine, Clay Canyon, Fairfield, Utah Co., Utah, United States
Typical massive Variscite nodules 5 to 8cm across. Associated with with Millisite on Crandallite.
Variscite from Deep Portland pit, Wharf mine, Lawrence Co., South Dakota, United States
Glassy light green micro crystals to 1mm.
Variscite from Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, United States
Light green masses in Pyrite.
Variscite from Iron Monarch mine, Iron Knob, South Australia, Australia
A stunning red Variscite specimen with coverage on front and back. The crystals are deep, translucent glassy red and araound 0.75 to 1mm in size. This is certainly the best worldwide loaclity for red Variscite, of wich there are few.
Variscite from Wiśniówka Wielka, Świętokrzyskie, Poland
Interesting honey colored spheroidal crystals of Variscite to 2mm in large pocket. T
Variscite from Iron Knob, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, Australia
Amazing bright red crystals to 1mm.
