all about variscite

• Heart chakra 
• AlPO4 · 2H2O
• Emotional healing, stability, peace 
• Optimism & acceptance 
• Improves relationships & communication 

Geology

Variscite is a rare hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral known for its green color due to chromium impurities. Variscite has a hardness that ranges from 4.5-5 out of 10 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. It has a waxy or sometimes vitreous/glassy luster and a white streak. 

Variscite is in the orthorhombic crystal system, but rarely forms crystals large enough to be seen without a microscope. It is usually found in masses or within cavities and veins. 

Variscite is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms through alteration of a preexisting mineral. In this case, variscite forms when phosphorus & aluminum rich solutions interact with already existing minerals, typically aluminum rich minerals, such as shales, clays and bauxite. These hydrothermal solutions weather away the preexisting rocks, carry elements away, and then are deposited as minerals. This is why variscite is often found in cracks, cavities, and fractures in other rocks; it is deposited as the solution flows through. 

Very rarely, variscite can be other colors such as red, orange, or purple. This is very rare, so if you’re looking to buy variscite on the market you can safely expect it to be green. 

Localities

Variscite was first officially discovered in Vogtland Germany in 1837, and gets its name from the old latin name for the region, Variscia. 

Variscite is also abundant in Utah, and is sometimes known as “Utahlite”. It is also found in Nevada, Montana, and small amounts in other states. 

It can also be found in Australia, Austria, Congo, Czech Republic, Spain, France, Brazil, and small amounts in other countries. 

Safety & care 

Since variscite has a pretty low hardness, it can easily be scratched and should be stored away from other harder minerals. It should also be kept out of the sun for long periods of time, as heat can cause the color to change. Variscite is porous, meaning it can be stained by oils or liquids so be sure to store it carefully, especially jewelry pieces. 

Variscite is safe to be cleaned with water or a damp cloth, but be careful not to leave it soaking for extended periods of time as it can damage the fragile stone.

Fake & mislabeled variscite 

• Variscite vs. turquoise: Variscite and turquoise are very similar geologically, they are both hydrous aluminum phosphate minerals. Because they share many of the same elements and form in similar ways, they are found in many of the same places. Variscite isn’t really found in the vibrant blue color that turquoise can be, but turquoise can be found in the green color of variscite. Because of this slight overlap in color between the two minerals, sometimes they can be mistaken for each other when being mined. Sometimes the name “variquoise” can be used to describe a material that looks like both minerals, but geologically it has to be one or the other. This variquoise is usually the material found in Nevada. 

colors of turquoise vs. variquoise 

• “Pink variscite”: Like I mentioned, variscite can occasionally be pink! However, pink variscite does not look like this! This material is definitely dyed, whether it be genuine variscite that was dyed pink or another stone entirely. Pink variscite is very rare, and not really found on the market at all unless you’re getting a specimen specifically from a mine. It’s safe to say anything labeled “pink variscite” is fake or dyed. 

• Purpurite & variscite: While looking at pink variscite, I stumbled upon multiple listings for this material being called “variscite in purpurite”. This material is actually stichtite and serpentine, also known as atlantisite. There is no variscite here, but I can see how it looks similar! 

• Variscite vs. chrysoprase: While looking through Etsy, I realized how similar variscite can look to chrysoprase. While the color looks extremely similar, a big difference between the two is the fact that chrysoprase typically is translucent, meaning some light passes through and variscite is opaque meaning no light passes through. Chrysoprase also has a significantly higher hardness level, at 6.5-7 out of 10. 

Variscite can look many different ways because it is found within different kinds of rocks. It can be found in veining, or in a more spotty pattern. It’s usually found in rocks that are light grey in color, but brown is also common as well as black, depending on the location. Variscite itself can range from a very blue turquoise color, to a more yellow green. 

It can be hard to tell from photos alone if a specific crystal is what it is supposed to be, without testing being done. I am suspicious that some pieces out there are either dyed variscite, or another mineral dyed to look like variscite. Look out for any pieces that look too suspiciously perfect or vibrant, especially for a cheap price. Variscite is found within cracks in other rocks, so there will usually be another rock within the piece, not just green variscite. And while it can be a more saturated yellow green color, it’s not going to be neon green. 

Suspicious looking, suspected inauthentic variscite 

Metaphysical Properties 

Variscite is associated with the heart chakra. It is a calming, peaceful stone that promotes emotional healing & stability, clarity, and acceptance. Working with variscite allows us to open our heart to being more compassionate and understanding. It helps you to feel more connected to the people and things around you. Carrying variscite can improve your relationships with others and improve communication. 

Variscite helps to uplift our spirits and not be weighed down by negative energies, attachments, or possessions. Its energy helps us to slow down, calm down, and live in the present moment. 

Variscite’s healing energy helps us to work through past traumas, regrets and emotional wounds that still affect our lives. It helps us to look forward with optimism while feeling acceptance and at peace with the way things are currently. 

Variscite is a great stone to meditate with to open your heart energy and open your mind to new ideas. 

If you are feeling lost, stuck in the past and lacking direction, variscite might be the perfect crystal to help you get on your feet again and start feeling excited about life.

Crystals to pair with variscite 

There is no wrong way to pair crystals together, but some stones’ energy compliments each other better than others! Here are some minerals that do well with variscite:

• Variscite + moonstone: Variscite and rainbow moonstone together are good for emotional healing, creativity & new ideas, and spiritual insight. 

• Variscite + chrysoprase: This combination is great for healing deep emotional issues, connection to the earth, and inner peace. 

• Variscite + turquoise: Minerals do well energetically with those that are similar and form together. Turquoise and variscite have similar compositions, form in similar ways, and are found close together. This pair together helps with communication, tranquility, and hope. 

• Variscite + rose quartz: Variscite and rose quartz improves friendships & relationships with others. 

• Variscite + chrysocolla: Stress relief, compassion, personal growth
• Variscite + apatite: This pair improves calm communication, creativity, connection to others, and physical well being.