Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombicuncommonPhosphates
Variscite
AlPO4·2H2O
This specimen displays a vibrant green, botryoidal to nodular mass of variscite, exhibiting a waxy to vitreous luster. Its color is characteristic of the mineral, often resembling turquoise.
Variscite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
4.5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
good on {010}, poor on {100} and {110}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.5Colors
green, blue-green, yellow-green, colorless, whiteTransparency
translucentType Locality
Boa Vista pegmatite, Laranjeiras, Galiléia, Doce valley, Minas Gerais, Southeast Region, BrazilMineral Group
PhosphatesUses
jewelry, ornamental stone, collectorAssociated Minerals
crandallite, wardite, millisite, wavellite, chalcedony, quartz, limoniteRarity
uncommonGeological Context
Variscite is a secondary mineral formed in aluminum-rich rocks, such as shales or limestones, through the action of phosphate-rich waters. It typically occurs as nodules, crusts, or vein fillings in phosphate deposits.
