Variscita
Variscita is a mineral with formula AlPO₄·2H₂O, in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Cantera del Turó de Montcada, Moncada i Reixac, Catalunya, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2024.
Description
Green vein cutting dark rock, with strong colour contrast. Massive texture, waxy lustre, apple-green hues.
History of this specimen
This piece was among the last from the quarry. And came from a stray boulder that yielded some good pieces.
About Variscita
Variscite is a secondary aluminium phosphate, valued for its green hues and relative rarity. It is often mistaken for chrysoprase but is distinguished by its lower hardness and more waxy appearance. Both were used since antiquity to make beads for ornaments and jewellery.
About the locality
Specimen from Turó de Montcada (Barcelona). One of the last known occurrences before the final exhaustion of the deposit.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0244
- Composition
- AlPO₄·2H₂O
- Name
- Variscita
- Group
- Fosfatos
- Category
- Meritum Persé
- Matrix
- Pizarra
- Mine
- Cantera del Turó de Montcada
- District / Municipality
- Moncada i Reixac
- Region
- Catalunya
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 5 x 3 x 2
- Weight
- 62.6 g
- Acquired
- 2024
- Etymology
- From the German "Varisz", after the Vogtland region (Germany), where it was first described.
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Aerenita — España
- Aerinita (fibrosa) — España
- Analcima — España
- Analcima — España