Variscite
Image: Vassil (CC0)
Mineral NameVariscite
Chemical FormulaAlPO₄·2H₂O
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood on {010}, poor on {100} and {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.5
Colorsgreen, blue-green, yellowish-green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityMané-er-Rhoek near Locmariaquer, Morbihan, Bretagne, France (for this artifact); also Utah, Nevada (USA), Australia, Germany
Mineral GroupPhosphates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralscrandallite, strengite, wavellite, turquoise, chalcedony
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a necklace made of polished variscite beads, ranging in color from pale mint green to deeper blue-green, with some beads showing darker inclusions or matrix material.
Geological Context
Variscite is a secondary mineral that forms in aluminum-rich rocks, typically in veins, nodules, or crusts, through the alteration of aluminous rocks by phosphate-rich waters. It is often found in association with limonite and other iron oxides.
