Turquoise Vs. Variscite

Turquoise is a very popular gemstone composed of copper aluminum phosphate.^[1] Variscite is a popular gemstone and its chemical composition is aluminum phosphate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Turquoise and Variscite

For a quick recap of the differences turquoise and variscite:

• In terms of crystallography, turquoise is triclinic while variscite is orthorhombic.
• For chemical formulas, turquoise is CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8• 4H2O while variscite is AlPO4· 2(H2O).
• While both turquoise and variscite can be commonly green, turquoise is often blue.
• Turquoise's rarity is less rare than variscite.
• Turquoise's hardness is higher than variscite - turquoise ranges from 5 to 6 and variscite ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 on the Moh's scale.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Turquoise and Variscite

The similarities of turquoise and variscite include:

• Turquoise and variscite both can be opaque or translucent.
• In terms of luster, turquoise and variscite both can be dull, vitreous or waxy.
• Turquoise and variscite both streak white.
• Turquoise's specific gravity overlaps with variscite - turquoise ranges from 2.4 to 2.6 and variscite ranges from 2.2 to 2.57.

Summary of Turquoise

Turquoise is a mineral that is a blue to greenish-blue color, often with veins or web-like patterns of darker color running through it. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of between 5 and 6, and has been used for decorative purposes for thousands of years. One of the most famous sources of turquoise is the Southwest United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico, but it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and China.

Summary of Variscite

Variscite is a rare, hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral that is known for its striking green-blue color. It was first discovered in the Vogtland district of Germany in 1837 and was named after the Latinized name for the ancient Celtic region of Variscia. Variscite is typically found in nodules or crusts in association with other phosphates, such as turquoise and chalcosiderite, and is often mistaken for the more well-known mineral, turquoise.

Table Comparison of Turquoise vs Variscite