mineral
Variscite
AlPO4·2H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 4.5 on Mohs scale, apple green to bluish-green color, vitreous to waxy luster, and orthorhombic crystal system.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Variscite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 4.5 on Mohs scale, apple green to bluish-green color, vitreous to waxy luster, and orthorhombic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary mineral through the deposition of phosphate-bearing water reacting with aluminum-rich rocks in weathering environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used as a semi-precious gemstone in ornamental jewelry, cabochons, and decorative carvings.
Geological facts
Often mistaken for turquoise due to its similar green coloration and matrix webbed appearance, but variscite contains aluminum instead of copper.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive green color, lower hardness than quartz, and occurrence in sedimentary or metamorphic phosphate deposits.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous