Variscite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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
Colorsblue-green, green, yellowish-green, white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityClay Canyon, Fairfield, Utah
Mineral GroupPhosphates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralsmontgomeryite, crandallite, wardite, strengite, wavellite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features vibrant blue-green variscite forming botryoidal or nodular patterns, often with concentric darker green rings, set within a yellowish-white matrix. The piece is a fractured nodule revealing its intricate internal structure.
Geological Context
Variscite is a secondary mineral that forms in aluminum-rich rocks through the action of phosphate-bearing waters, typically found in veins, nodules, and crusts within phosphate-rich sedimentary rocks or altered igneous environments.
