Variscite
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)
Mineral NameVariscite
Chemical FormulaAlPO₄·2H₂O
Mohs Hardness4
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood on {010}, poor on {100} and {110}, but rarely observed in massive forms
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.5
Colorsgreen, light green, dark green, brownish-grey
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityUtahlite claim (Lucin Variscite), Lucin, Lucin District, Pilot Range, Box Elder County, Utah
Mineral GroupPhosphates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralscrandallite, wardite, strengite, wavellite, chalcedony
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays a vibrant green variscite, ranging from deep emerald to lighter apple-green, often exhibiting concentric banding or a brecciated pattern within a lighter, brownish-grey matrix.
Geological Context
Variscite is a secondary mineral formed in aluminum-rich rocks, such as shales or limestones, through the alteration by phosphate-rich waters, typically occurring in nodular masses or crusts in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary deposits.
