The facts
What variscite actually is
Mineralogically, variscite is variscite — AlPO₄·2H₂O, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by v³⁺ and Cr³⁺ substituting for Al, giving apple to bluish-green. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.563–1.594 (spot ~1.56–1.57), and the specific gravity sits near 2.40–2.60; cleavage is good {010}, seldom seen.
Where variscite comes from
The recognised sources are Fairfield (Clay Canyon), Utah County, Utah, USA, Lucin, Box Elder County, Utah, USA, Gavà, Barcelona, Spain (Neolithic mines) and Milford, Utah, USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How variscite is treated
Usually sold untreated but often stabilised because it is porous and soft; some material is dyed. Frequently misrepresented as turquoise — variscite is aluminium phosphate with no copper, so it is green rather than blue, and its RI is lower.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What variscite is confused with
The usual confusions are Turquoise, Chrysoprase, Serpentine and Dyed magnesite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.563–1.594 (spot ~1.56–1.57) and specific gravity 2.40–2.60 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What variscite is used for
Variscite is bought by jewellery, carving and sculpture, mineral collecting and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the block or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Variscite is 3.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale, with good {010}, seldom seen cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What variscite costs
Indicative pricing for variscite is Cabochons $10–$150; fine Utah nodule material $100–$800 per piece.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is variscite treated, and how?
Usually sold untreated but often stabilised because it is porous and soft; some material is dyed. Frequently misrepresented as turquoise — variscite is aluminium phosphate with no copper, so it is green rather than blue, and its RI is lower.
Where does variscite come from?
Fairfield (Clay Canyon), Utah County, Utah, USA, Lucin, Box Elder County, Utah, USA, Gavà, Barcelona, Spain (Neolithic mines) and Milford, Utah, USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is variscite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does variscite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons $10–$150; fine Utah nodule material $100–$800 per piece. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is variscite confused with?
Most often Turquoise, Chrysoprase, Serpentine and Dyed magnesite. A refractive index of 1.563–1.594 (spot ~1.56–1.57) and a specific gravity near 2.40–2.60 separate it quickly.
What is variscite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for variscite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about variscite