Variscite

About Variscite

Often confused with turquoise but is greener and lacks the matrix patterns. Utah and Nevada produce the finest American specimens. It was discovered in 1837 in Germany. It forms in phosphate-rich environments near the surface. It is relatively soft and used primarily for cabochons and carvings. Some specimens display interesting matrix patterns. It is sometimes called utahlite or lucinite. It is rarer than turquoise but less well known and less expensive. It takes an excellent polish. The green color comes from chromium and vanadium. It is found in Australia, Brazil, Germany, and the US.