Collection: Variscite

Variscite was discovered in 1830 by the German mineralogist Johann August Friedrich Breithaupt (1791-1873). In 1837, first named “peganite”, it was then named after its place of discovery, namely in the Variscia region (known today as Vogtland) in Germany, and its name became variscite. Variscite is found under other names, such as “variquoise”, “lucinite”, “utahlite”.

The formation of variscite takes place thanks to the deposits of phosphate water and their interaction with rocks containing a lot of aluminum. Furthermore, we can see on variscite the formation of small veins made up of either aluminum, calcium or crandalite. In principle, variscite is found in the form of druse, crystals, nodules or small clusters.

It is common for variscite to combine with other minerals and then constitute another stone, such as coeruleo lactite, made up of variscite, planerite and wavellite. Redondite is a variscite with a high iron content.

Variscite is generally green in color. Its shades of green can vary from a very pale green to a deep emerald green. Sometimes it comes in other colors, such as blue, yellow, red and gray. The rarest variscite is red variscite. It is sometimes confused with chrysoprase or chrysocolla. Its veined appearance is reminiscent of howlite or turquoise.

The chemical composition of variscite therefore consists of hydrated aluminum phosphate, iron, and even arsenic. It has a hardness of 4 to 5 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, 10 on this same scale. So we can say that its hardness is not very high. It has an orthorhombic crystal system, a white line.

History of variscite

Variscite was discovered relatively recently, so there is no myth or legend relating to it. However, it is a stone that has been used for millennia in the making of various ornaments and tools.

Indeed, in 1962, during excavations in the Saint-Michel tumulus, in Carnac in France, a variscite ornament, as well as jadeite axes, dating from the Neolithic, were discovered. This necklace and its tools are estimated to be around 6,000 years old. However, in 1853, in Morbihan, variscite ornaments and beads had already been identified.

Analyzes carried out at the Louvre Museum determined the origin of these ornaments. They are originally from Andalusia in Spain. Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), author of the Natural History encyclopedia, named “callais” several blue and green stones such as variscite, nephrite, malachite and turquoise.

The main deposits are located in Russia, Australia, Canada, etc.

In Lithotherapy, variscite emits stabilizing and soothing vibrations. It helps to free oneself from distress and worries. It brings serenity while reducing states of agitation. It allows you to better manage your anxieties and anxiety by providing harmony in daily life.

It is an ideal stone for prospecting. It promotes concentration and reconnection with one's inner self. Certain traumas, causing blockages, are thus identified and can be overcome. The wearer can therefore move forward and rebuild themselves.

Variscite is an ideal stone for students, people in retraining or training. It facilitates learning, concentration and memorization. It stimulates cognitive abilities.

This stone provides assurance and self-confidence. It encourages objectivity, rationality and insight. Its wearer is able to communicate better with others and express their emotions better. He forgives more easily, becomes less resentful. Negative energies dissipate and give way to well-being.

Variscite allows its wearer to free themselves from their inferiority complexes and teaches them to better appreciate themselves. It generates charisma and self-esteem. Its wearer feels better and this has an impact on his character. He even becomes more conciliatory.