Species: Variscite Mohs Hardness: 3.5 to 5 out of 10 Color: Yellowish-green to bluish-green, often mottled or with veining RI: 1.57 spot reading Birefringence: Usually not detectable SR/DR/AGG: AGG Fluorescence: Inert to weak green under LW and SW SG: 2.50 (+/-0.10)
Variscite Facts
Variscite ring
Variscite is named after "Variscia", the historical name of the Vogtland district in Saxony, Germany, where it was originally discovered in 1837. Sources of variscite include Germany, Australia, Austria, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, and the United States.
Since variscite can be bluish green and commonly has matrix veining, it is often confused with turquoise.
Variscite mined in Utah is sometimes referred to as "Utahlite".
All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)