Variscite Facts & Locations
Variscite is a relatively rare hydrated aluminum phosphate, formed as a secondary mineral in areas where phosphate and clay minerals are found together. Variscite is formed near the surface in nodules or veins, and as breccias in fault lines; it can form in crystals though they are very small and rare. Variscite has a sister mineral, Strengite, that has iron instead of aluminum in the chemical composition. In this case the Variscite is pink to purple. This pink variscite is mostly found in Brazil around iron mines or other iron-rich areas with clay soil.
Though originally found in Germany and still mined there today, the best specimens are found in Utah near Farfield and Lucin in Utah County where the variscite is found in the form of nodules. Other notable areas for variscite are Nevada; Queensland, Australia; and Brazil. Variscite is also known as Utahlite, Lucinite, Bolivarite, and Barrandite.
Linda Pope wrapped this bright 50mm green donut in 14kt GF wire. The necklace and earrings set also include some diamond-shaped stones, with Swarovski crystals, glass pearls and chrysocolla. The green stones were sold to her as variscite, but they are likely sea sediment jasper (see comments below).