|
Variscite:
Phosphates, Arsenates, Vanadates (Hydrated phosphate of aluminum and iron) (Al,Fe)PO4.2H2O AKA: |
|
System: Orthorhombic; crystals are rare; usually as fine-grained masses, nodules, veinlets, crusts. Appearance: Pale green to emerald-green, also bluish green, colorless; vitreous, waxy; streak white. Physical Properties: Hardness: (4.0 - 4.5); Specific gravity: (2.57). Cleavage: good in one direction, poor in second direction; fracture, uneven, splintery, conchoidal; transparent in crystals, translucent to opaque in massive form; brittle. <Similar species: Turquoise usually has a bluish color and is slightly denser than variscite. Occurrence: Variscite is a low-temperature mineral and generally occurs associated with apatite, chalcedony and limonite in massive hydrothermal replacement deposits. Variscite appears to be found only in the West, in the United States. The finest material comes from Utah and Nevada. Miscellaneous: The name comes from Variscia, an ancient district in Germany where the mineral was first found. Variscite is used as a gem stone. Conventional Wisdom: Solid cool, pale green. Eases depression, fear, worry, anxiety, impatience and stress by bringing calm and stillness to even the most busy/talkative mind, thus a good meditation stone. Belongs to the Astrological Signs of Scorpio, Taurus and Gemini. |