Discover the Beauty of Variscite Gemstone: Meanings, Uses & Benefits
Variscite gemstone is one of the rarest and least-known gemstones available to collectors today. Its color is often mistaken for turquoise, although variscite is greener than turquoise. Some materials are marketed as ‘variquoise’, a name that combines the terms ‘turquoise’ and ‘variscite’.
Variscite gemstone is a relatively rare hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral. Gem quality deposits and occurrences are extremely rare; only the finest material is used in gemstone and ornamental carvings. It takes a good polish, sometimes better than turquoise, and is best known for its various shades of green due to traces of chromium. Variscite can be light bluish-green, medium and dark green, and, very rarely, red. It is sometimes traded as ‘utahlite’, a trading name given to Utah, the home state of the USA’s famous variscite deposits
The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Variscite Gemstones
Variscite gemstones are made of hydrated aluminum phosphate and have a Mohs hardness of 4.5, making them slightly softer than Turquoise. Green Variscite has a density between 2.42 and 2.58 with a refractive index between 1.563 and 1.594.
Variscite is usually opaque and has a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Rarely, some rare materials are slightly transparent around the edges.
Many of the distinguishing features of variscite are:
Splintery fracture
Brittle tenacity
Stunning colors and patterns
Generally, Variscite is greener than Turquoise
Jewelers can easily tell the difference between Turquoise and Variscite by the presence of Copper; Turquoise contains copper whereas Variscite doesn’t.
When compared to Gemstones with similar appearance, Variscite has more vitreous luster than Chrysocolla and is much softer.
Where Does Variscite Come From? Uncovering Its Origins and Sources
Variscite occurs in many different parts of the world. Most commonly, it is found as a by-product of brecciation in sandstone and in hydrothermal formations. Variscite is typically found in the form of rounded, coarse aggregates within cavities, nodules, and crusts. It is rarely found as a crystal.
Today, the most important deposits of variscite in the world are found in Utah, USA. This is the reason for variscite being referred to as ‘utahlite’. Other important sources of variscite are in Arkansas and Nevada, Australia (Qld), Germany (France, Poland), Russia, Spain (Sweden), and Brazil.
Variscite Color Variations: How to Identify the Perfect Shade
variscite gemstone is known for its beautiful green color. Green variscite can be light pale green, emerald green, apple green, or bluish green. Generally, solid mint-green colored variscite with a slight translucency is the most popular color. The majority of variscite is multi-colored, with splotches, black or white veins, and traces of chromium that contribute to its green color.
Variscite can also be found in a variety of other colors, such as:
Purple, Orange, Pink, Red, Brown, Violet
If the material contains less iron than aluminum, the reddish-to-violet color will dominate. On the other hand, materials with higher iron impurities will have more brownish tones.
How Clarity and Luster Define Variscite’s Beauty and Value
Most variscite is opaque. However, some are slightly transparent around the edges and rarely transparent. Variscite will often be cut with the host matrix rock. This often gives rise to interesting surface-reaching patterns.
The majority of variscites will have black or white inclusions or spider-webbing inclusions due to the presence of various phosphates, such as cascarallite.
Most variscites have multicolored spots. This is considered normal. Patterns vary according to the presence of minerals like iron, aluminum, and chromium in the stone. When polished, the stone has a vinous to waxy finish. This is similar to many types of quartz gemstones.
Variscite Cut and Shape: Enhancing the Beauty of This Unique Gemstone
Variscite, being primarily a collector’s gem, is not typically cut for jewelry purposes. It is usually cut en cabochon, as plain-cut variscite is best suited for showing off its many interesting colors and patterns.
Variscite can often be found in very large quantities. The most common shapes are oval, pear, cushion, and round. You can also tumble variscite, beaded variscite, or cut variscite into free-form fancy shapes. Ornamental Carvings
A Guide to Variscite Treatment: Methods and Benefits Explained
Variscite is a special kind of gemstone that is valued for its inherent beauty and uniqueness without any known additions or treatments. Because of this, variscite is particularly prized by enthusiasts and collectors who treasure its unadulterated, unadulterated form. It’s interesting to note that heating variscite causes its most prevalent hue, lavender-blue, to appear. Without the need for any artificial enhancements, this natural color shift makes the gemstone more appealing while maintaining its originality and purity. Because of this, variscite stands out for its true and unaffected beauty in the gem industry.
The Healing Powers of Variscite: A Guide to Its Metaphysical Benefits
Variscite (Variscite) is one of the lesser-known gemstones and although it is rarely found in crystals, the aggregate form of this gemstone is still used all over the world in metaphysical and crystal healings. Variscite, like other green gemstones, is a powerful grounding stone. Green gemstones are used to gain wealth and to enhance the intellect. It is believed that the power of the variscite stone can support most brain functions, including learning, reasoning, logic, and common sense. This gemstone is also said to be a great stress and anxiety relief stone. For those who wear or carry this gemstone as jewelry, it is believed to bring joy, peace, and harmony.
Variscite is not a current birthstone, but it is an astrological gemstone for those who are born under the Gemini, Scorpion, and Taurus signs. Variscite is believed to help balance the energy of the high heart chakra. It is also believed to open up the heart and bring feelings of love and compassion. From a physical point of view, it can help reduce pain related to gout, arthritis, and ulcers in the body. variscite is often used as an alternative crystal healing stone by alternative crystal healers. Many of them will use it for acid digestion, abdominal pain, cramping, and distension.
Variscite Jewelry: From Everyday Wear to Statement Pieces
Variscite is rarely used in jewelry because it is not well-known to most people. It is more of a collector’s gem due to its rarity and low popularity. You won’t find variscite in your local jewelry store, but custom jewelry designers make very interesting designs with it, especially with some of the very special webbed and patterning variscite from America. Any jewelry design that would work with turquoise would work with variscite.
Variscite is also very affordable, and like turquoise it is available in large sizes (20 Carats or more) which makes it perfect for bold fashion jewelry!
Beaded and Tumbled Variscite is usually used for bracelets or necklaces. It can be tumbled en cabochon but can also be cut or drilled into beads. The high luster of variscite makes it a very attractive jewelry piece.
Rings are not recommended but they can be worn with caution. The best and ‘safest’ designs for variscite are pendants, pins, and brooches.
Care and Cleaning
Variscite’s brittle tenacity and splintery fracture make it one of the more fragile gemstones, especially compared to other common jewelry gemstones like quartz or topaz
When you wear variscite, be careful to avoid scratches, hard knocks, or blows that could damage the stone.
Don’t use harsh chemicals or cleaners when cleaning variscite. Use a soft plain cloth or plain soapy water to wipe down your stones. Rinse well to remove any soapy residue. Don’t use ultrasonic cleaners or heat steamers to clean variscite. Exposure to strong heat can lead to permanent color damage.
Remove all variscite stones and jewelry before strenuous activities such as cleaning, exercise, or sports. Store variscite stones separately from other gemstones and jewelry. The best way to store variscite stones is by wrapping them in a soft fabric or placing them in a fabric-lined jewelry box.
What is Variscite Gemstone and its Unique Features?
Variscite is a rare and stunning gemstone known for its soothing green hues and unique marbled patterns. Its distinct appearance makes it highly sought after by gemstone enthusiasts.
FAQs about Variscite Gemstones
Variscite is primarily found in Utah, Nevada, and Germany. These regions are known for their deposits of this exquisite gemstone.
Variscite is believed to promote emotional healing, calmness, and compassion. It’s often used in crystal healing for its soothing and balancing energies.
While Variscite and Turquoise share similar green-blue colors, Variscite tends to have a more subdued, gentle appearance compared to the vibrant hue of Turquoise.
To care for Variscite jewelry, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Clean it gently with a soft cloth and store it in a jewelry box to prevent scratches.
