Variscite jewelry captivates with a green rarely seen elsewhere in jewelry. This soft, gentle green, sometimes apple, sometimes mint, with brown or cream veins that form organic patterns, has an immediate natural freshness. Variscite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate, a chemical cousin of turquoise (which is a copper phosphate). In fact, the two stones are often confused, and variscite was long sold under the misleading name "utahlite" or "green turquoise." Yet, it deserves its own identity. Its name comes from Variscia, the ancient Latin name for Vogtland, a region of Saxony in Germany where it was first described in 1837. Today, the most beautiful specimens come from Utah, Australia, Spain, and Brazil.
In lithotherapy, variscite is a stone of deep serenity, simplicity, and contentment. It works on the heart chakra with an extremely gentle and soothing energy. Where other green stones energize (green tourmaline), transform (malachite), or open (emerald), variscite soothes and simplifies. It is a stone that helps to rediscover joy in simple things, to let go of unnecessary complications, and to cultivate a state of inner contentment. It is recommended for anxious, overworked people who constantly create stress for themselves or who need to find a simpler and lighter relationship with life. It is also a highly valued stone for accompanying meditation, as it quickly and deeply calms the mind.
Variscite pairs well with rose quartz (gentleness and love), amethyst (calmness and wisdom), or chalcedony (calm communication). For care, be aware: variscite is a soft stone with a hardness of 3.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale. No salt, no chemicals, no shocks. Clean it with a slightly damp soft cloth and recharge it in moonlight.
