Variscite: The Underrated Gemstone Collectors and Jewelers Are Falling in Love With

What Is Variscite?

Variscite is a relatively rare phosphate mineral known for its soothing green color, which can range from pale mint to deep forest green. It’s often compared to turquoise because of its similar formation process and visual appearance, but variscite gets its color from chromium rather than copper.

Because it forms in nodules and veins, variscite is typically cut into cabochons or used in freeform shapes — making it a favorite among lapidary artists and silversmiths who love working with natural, organic stone shapes.

Variscite vs Turquoise: What’s the Difference?

While variscite and turquoise can look similar at first glance, there are a few key differences:

Variscite

• Typically green to blue-green
• Color comes from chromium
• Often has softer, more cloudy or mottled patterns
• Usually slightly softer than turquoise

Turquoise

• Typically blue to blue-green
• Color comes from copper
• Often has defined spiderweb matrix patterns
• Often slightly harder and more durable

Variscite is sometimes called the “quiet cousin” of turquoise — less famous, but deeply loved by collectors who know stones.

American Variscite Mines and What Makes Them Special

Utah Variscite (Lucin Area):

Utah produces some of the most well-known variscite in the United States, especially from the Lucin mining district.

Typical Traits

• Bright mint to apple green
• Often cloudy or milky patterning
• Sometimes white or cream matrix

Lucin variscite is especially loved for its soft, calming color palette.

Nevada Variscite:

Nevada variscite tends to be deeper in color and sometimes shows stronger matrix patterns.

Typical Traits

• Deeper green tones
• Sometimes black or brown matrix
• Can resemble green turquoise at first glance

Why Variscite Is Gaining Popularity

It has been gaining attention in the handmade jewelry world for a few reasons:

• Many turquoise mines are closed → collectors are exploring alternatives
• Each stone tends to have unique, painterly patterns
• It pairs beautifully with silver for earthy, natural designs
• It’s still relatively accessible compared to high-grade turquoise

For handmade jewelers, variscite offers a chance to work with something uncommon while still feeling very “Southwestern” and stone-centered.

Natural vs Stabilized Variscite

Like turquoise, some variscite is stabilized to improve durability and color consistency. Natural variscite can be softer, but many collectors prefer untreated stones for their authenticity and rarity.

Good disclosure from jewelers is key — customers appreciate knowing exactly what they’re buying.

Why Variscite Appeals to Stone Lovers

Variscite tends to attract people who love:

• Earthy, calming color palettes
• Unique one-of-a-kind stones
• Natural patterning over uniform color
• Collectible American-mined materials

It feels organic, grounded, and a little unexpected — which is part of its charm.

Shop here for our current variscite beauties :)