Variscite


Composition Aluminum phosphate Al(PO4)2H20 Crystal system Rhombic
Hardness (Moh´s)
 4 to 5 Density 2,42- 2,58
Refractive index 1,563- 1,594 Birefringence None
Pleocroisme
 None Fluorescence pale green
Fracture
 uneven I. Dispertion -
Cleavage
 Perfect Streak white
Absortion: 688, 650


  • The name comes from the Latin Variscia (Vogtland´s region). Green colour (emerald green to clear green). It´s found in massives aggregates in brown matrix the Palazuelos one, and in black matrix the one from Montcada.Waxy luster. Opaque to translucent.
  • Localities in the Península Ibérica: Gavá y Montcada (Barcelona). Palazuelos de las Cuevas (Zamora). The Variscite Gavá is "Messbach" and Variscite Palazuelo de las Cuevas is "Zamora".
  • The Gavà mines( 6000 years of antiquity) there are the most antiques known dedicates to extract the mineral by be used for ornament.
  • Confusion: With Turquoise, Jade, Chrysoprase.
  • Treatments: Similars to the Turquoise treatments : impregnation with wax or resins and to dye. Sometimes twice. Our variscites are naturals, without treatments.
  • Gemologicals use: This is used since antiquity like an ornamental and magic material. In beads, cabs.

Gems list
Principal
Back to
Variscite cut.

Principal - Gems from the Península Ibérica - Museum - Expositión - List of the gems exposed in the museum - localities - Technique - Design - Rare gems from the Península Ibérica for to sale - Gems from the world for to sale - Authors - Gallery - How to buy Contact us.

© Montse Bagué and Josep M. Serrano.Text and photos. Reproduction not allowed without permission.