Since then, for almost two hundred years, the stone has been used as an ornamental material, as well as as an independent decoration that is suitable for almost any wearer.
History and origin
Despite the fact that the age of crystalline formations dates back hundreds of centuries, the description and name of the mineral was given only in the first half of the 19th century. Johan Breithaupt, a scientist and mineralogist, conducted a study of a green and blue-tinged gem discovered in a Saxon deposit.
The analysis showed that the natural stone is a hydrous aluminum phosphate from the variscite group, which received its name from its location.
The mineral in bluish-greenish tones has been known to mankind for a long time. Judging by the jewelry found by archaeologists, they were made in the Neolithic, as soon as man learned to process stone.
Prehistoric fragments of products were found in Catalonia, in the vicinity of Gave. Pliny the Elder also described how local residents decorated themselves with decorations made from green beads found in local mines.
The ancient mines in Barcelona represent a complex structure of mines in which mineral mining was actively carried out during the Neolithic era. Approximately 500 BC pebbles resembling Turquoise were considered a kind of currency. Variscite necklaces were used for trade exchange in southern European markets.
Place of Birth
Once upon a time, the mines of America, in the states of Utah and Nevada, were world famous due to the high productivity of gems. Now production has been suspended, as the reserves of natural resources are almost exhausted.
Today, production is carried out in Queensland, which is in Australia. Variscite is actively mined in the adits of South Saxony (Germany), in mines located in Poland and Barcelona. The high quality mineral is produced on the territory of Kazakhstan. Brazil is also famous for its rich deposits of Californian turquoise.
Physical properties
A rare natural stone that does not reach large sizes has a glassy or waxy luster. It can be translucent or transparent, showing through at the edges. Low values indicate that the gem is soft, is not cut, and is most often used in the form of beads and cabochons.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | AlPO4x2H2O |
| Impurity | Fe, As |
| Hardness | 4 — 5 |
| Density | 2.4 - 2.6 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,55 — 1,59 |
| Cleavage | Perfect. |
| Kink | Uneven, smooth. |
| Shine | Glassy to waxy. |
| singonia | Rhombic. |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent, translucent at the edges. |
| Color | Yellowish, bluish-green, very rare red and purple stone. |
Where is the mineral used?
Rare stones are of interest not only to scientists. This mysterious gem is a welcome “guest” in a fashionista’s box, in a needlewoman’s basket, and even in a home medicine cabinet or on the desktop as a protection against failure.
Jewelry
Variscite is a soft stone, and this is important for craftsmen. The properties of the crystal to crumble and become covered with cracks during cutting force it to be cut primarily in the form of a cabochon. It is an oval with rounded edges.
The mineral is also suitable for making beads. For the setting, the jeweler will need silver - this metal beautifully sets off the shimmer of the gem. A ring with variscite can be combined with a bracelet made of small beads and the same pendant or earrings.
Due to the fact that the stone is quite rare and difficult to process, its cost is higher than many other semi-precious minerals.
Needlework
Decorating clothes, embroidery, paintings with natural elements and other wonders of creativity will be more valuable and original if you add amazing crystals of the right shades to them.
Specialized stores offer variscite sets for needlewomen - usually the stones are cut in the form of beads, although small ovals and droplets are also possible. It is possible to purchase a set containing mineral samples of different colors.
Collecting
Not every lover of collecting minerals can boast of having variscite among their “treasures”. There are not so many ideal specimens that can be placed in the mineralogical series without preliminary cutting.
This crystal is exhibited in museums at the site where it was mined; it is possible, but not easy, to purchase it for a private collection. Especially if you need a specimen of a rare red color or completely repeating the characteristics of turquoise.
Healing properties
Variscite is a rare stone, the healing power of which has not yet been fully studied. According to lithotherapists, the healing stone has a high positive energy charge, which gives an amazing effect. The use of gems in the treatment of ailments gives the following results:
- beneficial effect on the nervous system, gives a sedative effect;
- helps control emotions, relieves mental instability, eliminates irritability and tearfulness;
- reduces the risk of depression and apathy;
- strengthens mental state, helps get rid of fears, anxieties, worries and restless sleep;
- helps in the fight against chronic fatigue, which affects most urban residents;
- promotes recovery from severe nervous and mental illnesses;
- improves the functioning of the genitourinary system, restores potency in men;
- promotes rapid recovery of the body after illnesses and injuries;
- accelerates the healing process of open wounds;
- helps restore lost strength after physical and mental stress;
- improves the functioning of the respiratory system, helps cope with asthma attacks and bronchial diseases;
- stabilizes the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
Important! The mineral has a strengthening effect on the children's body. Its use in the treatment of colds is beneficial and prevents the occurrence of complications.
Therapeutic effect
At first, healers who heal with stones were divided in opinion. Some believed that the gem affects the human body in the same way as turquoise. Others were convinced that variscite exhibited special properties.
Then experiments were carried out, and lithotherapists found that the mineral:
- has a calming effect and improves sleep;
- treats neuroses, hysteria, aggression, tearfulness;
- helps overcome depression, apathy, emotional exhaustion, professional burnout and chronic fatigue;
- reduces the recovery process after strokes and head injuries;
- relieves pain from osteochondrosis, vertebral hernias;
- eliminates diseases of the male genitourinary system, including prostatitis;
- prevents impotence;
- promotes healing after operations, injuries, fractures and sprains;
- gives a surge of strength;
- strengthens the vestibular apparatus;
- relieves the condition of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia.
For completely healthy people, the gem will give them excellent mood and resistance to stress.
Doctors emphasize that stone treatment is allowed as an additional method. If a lithotherapist demands that a patient completely abandon official medicine, most likely he is a charlatan trying to harm you.
Magic properties
If a person’s spiritual development matters, then the vibrations of the stone help in this process. Having jewelry with a stone with you during meditation, you can easily fall into a state of trance.
If you consider what a stone looks like, what the pattern or shade is on it, you can judge the strength of its impact. It is known that the influence of green color on the psyche and consciousness helps to relax and immerse yourself in a meditative state, and achieve a hormonal state.
The magical stone variscite allows you to look into the depths of the inner world, understand what mysteries are inherent from birth, and helps to reveal talent and extrasensory abilities.
According to magicians, the stone helps to penetrate into the past, obtain information hidden in memory, and helps restore memories of life episodes.
For those who wear jewelry with a stone, magical power helps in all endeavors and helps solve the following problems:
- Eliminates negativity, suppresses aggression and irritation, reduces the risk of conflict.
- Protects from the influence of dark forces, from manifestations of anger in the form of damage and curses.
- Helps get rid of financial troubles, improves material life and well-being.
Wearing variscite jewelry for a long time gives amazing results. The talisman, influencing the psyche of the owner, helps to tune in to the positive, imparts optimism, and gives hope for the implementation of plans.
By protecting the owner of the stone from a “bad” mood, protecting from aggressive and pessimistic people, the amulet helps to program the consciousness for success in business, improved well-being, prosperity and family well-being.
The energy charge of variscite harmoniously combines with the energy of a benevolent person. It is unlikely that a person with malicious intent will receive the help of a magical artifact.
Jewelry with mineral
Variscite is a soft mineral, so beads and cabochons are made from it. Thanks to its healing and magical properties, the popularity of the gem is growing. For those who want to try on useful and beautiful decoration, a list of the estimated cost of “California turquoise” is provided.
- They offer to buy a pendant made of natural stone for $17.5;
- price for a string of beads - $30;
- cost for beads made of variscite in combination with agate is $60;
- an unprocessed mineral weighing 380 grams costs $45.
The jewelry mineral is quite rare, so it is of high value. More often, such specimens are found in private collections.
History of variscite stone
Variscite was originally found in Saxony. However, over time, it began to be discovered in other places. There are several names for the stone. It is called “California turquoise” (due to the similarity of color), “chlorutealite”, “spherite” and “bolnvarite”.
In nature, there are variants of incomplete mineral content. Variscite grows on quartz and chalcedony. Experts call such specimens “amatrix” or “variscite stone.”
Variscite immediately began to enjoy popularity among jewelers and collectors. Various products are created from it, for example, earrings, pendants, pendants and bracelets. A natural mineral subject to processing is an original interior detail.
Variety
In the old days, variscite was called California turquoise. Indeed, in terms of color scheme and characteristic pattern, such similarity is observed. Nugget color palette:
- pale green tint;
- emerald color;
- bluish-green;
- pale brown to yellow;
- a colorless crystal that fades to white and pale green.
Some varieties of gem indicate where the mineral was formed and “in the neighborhood” with which ore the mineral grows.
- Amatrix is a formation of variscite, green in color, with chalcedony or quartz rock.
- Variscite quartz is quartz ore sprouted with a green mineral.
- Chlorutealite is a variety that has an emerald color.
Specimens of red variscite are extremely rare.
Use in jewelry
For more than 150 years, variscite of various textures and colors has been used to replace turquoise. Among jewelry connoisseurs, there are many who prefer to purchase variscite rather than classic turquoise. This is explained by the deep, rich, rich palette of colors of the mineral analogue.
For more than 150 years, variscite of various textures and colors has been used to replace turquoise.
You rarely see it in jewelry collections, although it is not highly valued. This stone is used to decorate massive necklaces, wonderful earrings and neat pendants.
How to distinguish a fake?
Rare, collectible gems are not easy to find on store shelves. Most often, imitation is used in products. It happens that the mineral is confused with turquoise. To avoid confusion, it is better to know their main differences - transparency and color of the veins.
Variscite is characterized by pale-colored veins, while turquoise, on the contrary, has a pronounced dark pattern. In addition, turquoise is less transparent compared to variscite.
The mineral has a low density and hardness; if you press with a sharp object, it will leave a mark. Bright, unnatural shades of stone also indicate imitation.
When coloring cheap minerals, often of synthetic origin, they pass them off as “California turquoise.” In this case, it is possible to distinguish a natural gem from a fake using chemical analysis.
Price
Variscite can be called an affordable stone. The price range for products with it is quite wide:
- $0.3-0.5 – for beads with a diameter of 5-8 mm;
- $5-20 – per pendant depending on the size of the stone;
- $18-25 for a bracelet with variscite;
- $45-80 - for earrings depending on the metal of the frame (silver, gold).
Collectible samples of variscite, as well as exclusive jewelry made to order, can cost tens of times more.
Caring for stone products
“Soft” gems are best preserved isolated from other minerals. For this purpose, cases with a soft inner surface, covers made of fleecy fabric and boxes lined with velvet are used. And it is also advisable to protect the gem from falls and impacts, since any mechanical impact on it will lead to damage to the stone, in the form of dents, cracks and chips.
The structure of the mineral “does not tolerate” overheating, which can lead to destruction. It is not advisable to dry stone products with a hot stream of air, for example using a hair dryer, or near heating devices. It is better to dry the jewelry naturally, at room temperature or by wiping it dry with a soft cloth.
Due to chemical components, the gem may lose color and shine. You can clean jewelry with a gem using a soap solution and running water. It is not recommended to use abrasives and brushes with hard bristles, which are likely to leave marks on the surface.
Important! Try to protect stone products from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Gems react to the color of the sun, which affects the brightness of the shade.
Rules of care
Variscite is not particularly durable and is vulnerable to external influences.
You need to care for it carefully:
- Store in a tightly closed box or other dark place.
- Avoid overheating. The box should not be placed near heating appliances or other heat sources.
- The mineral dissolves in acid, so only baby soap or other mild detergents are suitable for washing.
- When cleaning, do not rub the gem too hard.
- Wash jewelry or stones with water at room temperature.
The mineral, used as a magical artifact, actively absorbs energy directed at the owner. Therefore, in addition to physical cleansing, the stone requires energy cleansing. It is recommended to do it twice a month. The procedure is as follows: the gem is washed with running water, then briefly immersed in salted water. Rinse again under running water and leave to dry (preferably in a cool sun).
Compatibility with names and zodiac signs
The astrological properties of variscite are aimed at assisting a person on the path of his spiritual development. The compatibility of the mineral with the vibrations of cosmic bodies helps to establish human harmony with the outside world.
Each zodiac sign contains a certain amount of knowledge, and the protection of certain planets is assigned. These representatives of the zodiac circle have the right to count on cosmic support through the mineral.
(“++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | ++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | ++ |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | + |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | ++ |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | — |
| Fish | — |
- Aries, with the help of a talisman, will establish harmonious relationships in the family and at work.
- For Sagittarius, the amulet will tell you the way to improving their well-being and will protect them from unfavorable investments.
- For Leos, the artifact helps in spiritual development and gives a charge of positive energy.
- “Water” zodiac signs, who are characterized by emotional stability, are not recommended to use a talisman with a stone, since the soothing vibrations of the gem have a depressing effect on them.
Variscite compatibility with names:
- Boris – translated as “glorious in the fight”, receives from the stone prudence, the ability to react “cold-bloodedly” in any situation.
- Svyatoslav - which means “sacred glory”, receives the support of the mineral in oratory.
- Stepan has the ability to unite, the talisman helps in organizational activities.
- Alexandra – translated as “protector”, the amulet protects the owner from impulsiveness.
- Alla, translated from Arabic as “goddess”, has the peculiarity of patronizing weak, defenseless people and animals, the power of the crystal helps the mistress.
- Galina is quiet and serene, but the mineral “pushes” her to take decisive action.
- Nadezhda is independent, freedom-loving, and the talisman protects against restrictions and unwanted “adventures.”
Who is it suitable for?
- For the fire signs of the Zodiac - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius - the mineral helps to balance and somewhat reduce the intensity of the element of Fire and become calmer. It gives representatives of water signs – Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces – the opportunity to get rid of selfishness and unhealthy ambitions.
- Variscite is suitable for overexcited and emotional people, those who are often stressed and cannot control themselves.
- Good for social workers, psychologists and teachers, kindergarten teachers, priests, in general, all those who have to work with people and calm them down.
- It has a very positive effect on neurotics and people with mental disorders, on those who are experiencing mental trauma or serious troubles, because this stone is a healer of the heart.
- Variscite is suitable for people who do not have good relationships with loved ones, relatives and colleagues, because it has an excellent harmonizing effect not only on the one who wears it, but also on the people around him, and on the space as a whole.
- People involved in occult practices should definitely have this minera with them. Since it can serve as protection against negative energy and parasitic entities.
Note
Using the mineral as a talisman for the purpose of protection or for spiritual maturation leads to the fact that variscite is filled with alien energy, which affects the properties of the magical artifact. You can eliminate unwanted reserves in the amulet in a simple and effective way, using salted water.
- First, the gem is washed under running water;
- then drops into a glass with salted solution;
- Finally, rinse with clean tap water;
- dry in the shade at room temperature.
Regular cleaning will extend the life of the stone and preserve its beauty.
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