Variscite is a relatively rare phosphate mineral that is sometimes confused with turquoise It is usually greener, however, than turquoise.  Variscite is sometimes used as a semi-precious stone and can make distinctive color patterns that are very attractive.  Occasionally it is altered into other phosphate minerals.  This can occur in what were perhaps ‘weak’ layers of a nodule since only portions of the variscite nodules are altered.  The most common alteration mineral is crandallite, and gives some nodules a yellow or white layer.  The luster is waxy or vitreous.

Variscite is a softer stone and ranges from 4-4.5 on the Moh’s scale.

• Mystical birthstone for December (along with Turquoise)

Myths and Therapeutic Properties:

Variscite has many therapeutic uses that have been used worldwide and many are still in use today.  Variscite has been said to help with remembrance of past lives.  It also has a balancing central nervous system and eases depression, fear, worry, anxiety, and impatience. It is a good meditation stone.  Variscite also helps with virtue, self-reliance, moral courage, and success.

Go to Variscite Beads