What is the meaning of variscite?

Variscite, also known as Utahlite, is a very rare hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral that crystallizes in the form of masses and crusts. Rarely does it occur in crystal form, but when it does it is seen in an octahedral shape.

What is Australian variscite?

Australian Gemstones – Variscite Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate mineral (AlPO4•2H2O). It is a relatively rare phosphate mineral. It is sometimes confused with turquoise; however, variscite is usually greener in color and contains little copper.

What is variscite used for?

Variscite is sometimes used as a semi-precious stone, and is popular for carvings and ornamental use due to its beautiful and intense green color, and is commonly used in silversmithing in place of turquoise.

Is variscite a rare stone?

While variscites are relatively rare, they occur in many localities across the globe. However, the state of Utah is the principal source of gem-quality material. Fairfield County, Utah produces nodules with rich colors up to 24 inches across mixed with other massive complex phosphates.

Is variscite a birthstone?

Though variscite is not an official birthstone, this gemstone is associated with the Zodiac signs of Gemini, Scorpio and Taurus.

What does variscite look like?

Physical Properties of Variscite Typically yellowish green to slightly bluish green, often with yellow, brown or black matrix. Also known to be yellowish brown to brownish yellow. Cleavage is rarely visible because variscite usually occurs in microcrystalline aggregates.

What is the difference between variscite and turquoise?

Turquoise ranges from greenish blue to bluish green, while variscite ranges from yellowish green to bluish green. People who are familiar with the minerals might recognize yellowish green specimens as variscite, but might not feel confident about bluish green specimens.

What chakra is variscite?

the heart chakra
Variscite is connected to the heart chakra and therefore is said to open the heart and stimulate compassion or love.

Is variscite the same as turquoise?

To put it in layman terms, Variscite is a brighter green and typically has less complex matrix than its sister Turquoise. Variscite is usually seen to be on its own- it’s a brighter green color- and we try to identify it as its own mineral.

Is variscite a type of turquoise?

How do you identify a variscite stone?

Typically, variscite is opaque with a vitreous to waxy luster, though some rare instances are slightly translucent near the edges. The green color of variscite is created by the chromium content found in the mineral. Other colors of variscite include light blue-green, purple, orange and very rarely red.

Can variscite be white?

Without copper or other metal impurities, variscite in its purest form is white, but often it occurs in a variety of colors: green, yellow, orange, and black.

What are the healing properties of variscite?

Variscite Metaphysical Properties Variscite is believed to help brain-related functions, improving intellect and logic. Not only that, but variscite is said to calm the brain by relieving stress and anxiety. According to metaphysical beliefs, variscite is believed to enhance joy felt by the wearer.

What is the difference between turquoise and variscite?

What type of rock is variscite found in?

Variscite occurs in Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Congo (Kinshasa), and Australia and in commercially important quantities near Fairfield, Utah, U.S. It also occurs with apatite on islands where phosphatic solutions from guano (seafowl excrement) have altered aluminous igneous rocks.

How can you tell if variscite is real?

Variscite Geological Properties Typically, variscite is opaque with a vitreous to waxy luster, though some rare instances are slightly translucent near the edges. The green color of variscite is created by the chromium content found in the mineral.

Where is variscite stone found?

What is the rarest turquoise?

Lander Blue Spiderweb Turquoise is some of the rarest Turquoise on earth and in high demand, Buyers must beware of impersonators, the highest grade of Chinese Spiderweb Turquoise is often sold as Lander Blue Turquoise, it takes an experienced professional to detect true Lander Blue Turquoise.

How can I tell if my turquoise is real?

The most effective way to identify real Turquoise is to do the scratch test. Howlite or other materials fake Turquoise is made from are softer stones than genuine Turquoise. Lightly use your nail to scratch a less visible part of the stone like the backside and if it scratches easily, it’s howlite.

Is white buffalo turquoise really turquoise?

White Buffalo, although technically not turquoise, is often referred to as turquoise due to its discovery in a turquoise mine. The reason behind its illustrious white color is due to its formation by the same mineralization process, “regular” in which turquoise undergoes.