Description
The mineral variscite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate with the chemical formula AlPO4·2(H2O). Variscite is colorless, blue-green to green, and has a white streak color, a dull luster, and perfect cleavage along the crystal plane [010]. Its average density is 2.5, and its hardness is 4 to 5. The crystal system is orthorhombic, and the mineral is not radioactive. The name variscite is derived from Variscia, the historical name of Vogtland, Germany, a name that is also found in the Variscan orogeny. Variscite is common as a weathering product of aluminous phosphate rocks. The type locality is Messbach, Plauen, Vogtland (Variscia), Thuringia, Germany.
