Variscite is one of the rarest collection of the gemstone. Variscite is found in green, gray and white in color. Variscite beads are opaque sometimes with veined on the surface. It may appear as large masses or small encrustations on a matrix. It is named after ‘Variscia’ the historical name of the Vogtland district in Saxony, Germany. It was first discovered in 1837.
Natural Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate mineral with the chemical formula AlPO₄·2H₂O. It is especially valued for pale green, apple-green, bluish-green and emerald-green colors, although white, yellowish and brownish material can also occur. Variscite was described and named in 1837 after Variscia, the historical name for Vogtland in Germany, where its type locality is situated.
Variscite Stone Benefits
Variscite is a stone of encouragement. It encourages the soul that is retarded and lost in negativity. It also supports and encourages an invalid to continue despite the illness and helps caregivers to deal with the diseases created by an illness. Variscite is an excellent gemstone that opens the heart chakra and it also brings unconditional love into the situation. Variscite stone is extremely helpful for the past life exploration and it facilitates visual images of the experience while going deeply into the feelings and experiences of appropriate lives.
In modern crystal traditions, Variscite is mainly associated with encouragement, hope, emotional balance, compassion and self-reflection. Its green color also contributes to its traditional association with the Heart Chakra. Past-life exploration, chakra healing and energetic effects belong to spiritual traditions rather than scientifically established gemstone properties.
Variscite Gemological Properties
Crystal – Orthorhombic
Cleavage – Perfect
Luster – Vitreous
Hardness – 4 to 5 on Mohs scale
Color – Yellow-Green, White and Bluish
For greater gemological accuracy, Variscite belongs to the Variscite mineral group and crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. Its typical Mohs hardness is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 according to modern mineralogical references, although gemstone references often give a broader range of 4 to 5. It has perfect cleavage, a brittle tenacity and a waxy to vitreous lustre. Its specific gravity is generally around 2.5 to 2.6 and its refractive index is approximately 1.560 to 1.594.
The attractive green color of Variscite can range from very pale green to vivid apple or emerald green. Chromium is associated with the green coloration of some material. Variscite is generally opaque to translucent rather than transparent.
Buying Variscite
Proper care should be taken while buying Variscite. This a soft and opaque gemstone therefore it is essential to buy Variscite from an authorized gemstone and jewelry dealer.
Color – Variscite is famous for its beautiful green color. The green color can range from light-pale green to apple-green or white color. Solid mint green coloured a material with slight translucency is mostly desired color for Variscite.
Variscite Clarity – Variscite is typically opaque. However sometime it may be slightly translucent around its edges. It is often cut with its host matrix that resukts in an interesting surface reaching pattern.
Variscite Cut and Shape – It is a primary gem and is not often cut for the jewelry. It is cut en cabochon because plain cuts are ideal for the use in jewelry and other gemstones industries.
When buying Natural Variscite, color, pattern, polish, size, matrix distribution and overall condition are important quality factors. Fine apple-green or mint-green material with attractive even color can be desirable, while stones containing natural brown, black or cream matrix may be valued for their distinctive patterns. Because Variscite is relatively soft and brittle, cabochons, beads and carvings are more common than faceted stones.
Variscite vs Turquoise
Variscite can sometimes resemble green Turquoise, particularly when it contains dark matrix patterns. However, they are different minerals. Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate, while Turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminium phosphate. Variscite usually tends toward green or apple-green colors, whereas Turquoise is best known for blue to greenish-blue shades.
Hardness alone is not always enough for identification, so valuable material may require professional gemological testing.
Variscite Gemstone and Jewelry Cleaning
Variscite is considered to be a fragile gemstone because when compared to the other more common gemstones and jewelry such as quartz and topaz, the Variscite has a brittle tendency. So the jewelry made of Variscite should be cleaned softly with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh treatment and chemical to the Variscite. Also be sure not to use gemstones in oil and detergent.
Because Variscite is softer than Quartz and Topaz and has perfect cleavage, careful handling is important. Clean it with a soft damp cloth or mild soapy water and avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaning, acids, harsh chemicals and prolonged soaking. Rings should be worn carefully, while pendants, earrings and brooches generally offer better protection.
Why You Should Use Variscite
It has lovely energy and it is effective in establishing connection between the etheric body, known as the lightbody and the physical body and it stimulates the healing of the body. Variscite heals the nervous system treats abdominal distension and the constricted blood flow. It also neutralizes acidity, improves the elasticity of the skin, and veins. It is a strong healer of the heart chakra and helps to heal the emotional problems. This stone is particularly helpful if you are feeling full of despair and unable to find hope for the future.
Traditional Variscite healing beliefs focus on hope, emotional support, compassion and maintaining a positive outlook. Claims involving the nervous system, blood circulation, abdominal conditions, acidity, skin or veins are not scientifically established medical treatments. Variscite should not replace professional medical or mental-health care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Variscite?
Variscite is a hydrated aluminium phosphate mineral with the chemical formula AlPO₄·2H₂O. It is best known for attractive pale to vivid green colors.
Where was Variscite first discovered?
Variscite was described in 1837 from the Vogtland region of Saxony, Germany. Its name comes from Variscia, the historical name of this region.
What is the hardness of Variscite?
Variscite generally has a Mohs hardness of around 3.5 to 4.5, although some gemstone references describe material in the 4 to 5 range.
What are the traditional benefits of Variscite?
In metaphysical traditions, Variscite is associated with encouragement, hope, compassion, emotional balance and Heart Chakra practices. These are traditional beliefs rather than scientifically proven medical benefits.
Is Variscite suitable for jewelry?
Yes. Variscite is commonly used for cabochons, beads, pendants, earrings and carvings. Because it is relatively soft and brittle, careful handling and protected settings are recommended.
