Variscite Properties and Use
If eye-catching is what you're looking for, then you may find that variscite is a crystal that delivers, and this lovely little stone boasts an array of green shades. Sometimes, this stone will have a hint of blue, which has resulted in some confusion and misidentification with turquoise. Interestingly, variscite is more rare than turquoise, but the lack of demand results in it being cheaper. It's a fairly soft stone, so its use in jewelry is somewhat limited by that. That's not to say people haven't tried, and variscite jewelry has been evident throughout history. Today? Well, a lot less popular. There are many other stones in high demand, and variscite is somewhat seen as a nice little oddity. So, despite their rarity and beauty, they are cheaper than you might think (at least at the time of this writing).
Since variscite is soft, gets cut easily, and reacts poorly to skin contact over long periods of time, it is more commonly used as a small decorative stone or collected for display purposes.
Variscite's formation is interesting in that it is often a very tiny stone, and it forms in relation to phosphate-bearing water interacting with aluminum-bearing minerals.
Today, variscite is still a popular choice for jewelry and decorative objects due to its unique green color and all the shades in between. Whether you're a collector, a jewelry maker, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful objects, variscite is undoubtedly worth exploring. Maybe you could even compare it to turquoise to see just where the confusion lies.
Variscite features seafoam green to pale green coloration, with touches of brown and black. Some forms of Variscite exhibit brown, yellow, blue-green, white, or even red coloration in rare instances! When tumbled, it has an uneven texture and features natural pits and caverns.
Metaphysical Properties of Variscite
In addition to its decorative use, variscite has also been believed in spiritual communities to possess healing properties. Some people believe that it can help with emotional healing, promoting feelings of calmness and peace. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims, but variscite remains a fascinating mineral with a rich history and a unique beauty that continues to captivate people around the world. Please be aware that the purported therapeutic benefits of variscite are without scientific evidence or observation and are primarily promoted by crystal healing practitioners; they are without any endorsement from healthcare institutions, and the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements for use or substitution of professional healthcare advice. Furthermore, many of these claims are based on beliefs and superstitions from various historical periods, and they cannot be recognized as scientifically accurate. It is critical to understand that crystal healing is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment, and consulting with medical professionals is recommended.
Variscite is said to be the original worry stone, with various spiritualists claiming it soothes raw nerves, helps to calm anxious energies, and enhances feelings of peace, joy, and well-being. They believe that the variscite crystal works well when seeking closure, whether one is trying to heal emotional wounds from a past life or this one. Crystal spiritualists believe that if you have an overactive mind, variscite is said to help to calm thoughts and guide more helpful mental processes. Others believe that variscite is a stone that strengthens intuition and natural psychic abilities. If one wants to become more self-reliant, self-confident, and aware of their destiny, then crystal spiritualists believe that variscite is a stone with a magnetic pull toward opportunities that will bring true happiness.
In short, spiritualists believe that this stone can help users find peace, clarity, and direction in life. Those who meditate with variscite think of it as a crystal that is a magnet for positivity, and it is said to repel anxious thoughts. Of course, if one has anxiety or has negative thoughts, then they should appeal to a healthcare professional. Meditation is known to have some benefits (https://www.harvard.edu/in-focus/mindfulness-meditation/), but it, too, is not meant to be a replacement for scientifically-backed methods.
The Wrap Up
Variscite is a gemstone that has a beautiful green color, but it is not as well-known as other gems, even if it gets confused with turquoise. You'll often find variscite in a collector who delights in lesser-known stones, or perhaps you've seen it carved into a pretty display.
In any case, this green beauty has captivated many, and variscite may not have many practical uses, but it is a stone that we are glad to have in our collection. Thank you for reading!
Sources
https://geology.com/minerals/variscite.shtml
https://www.mindat.org/min-4156.html