Comparison · Minerals vs Phosphate Minerals
Apatite vs Variscite
Apatite and Variscite are easy to confuse. Apatite is harder (Mohs 5) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Apatite will scratch Variscite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Apatite and Variscite
- Apatite is harder (Mohs 5) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Apatite will scratch Variscite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Luster is different: Apatite is vitreous to subresinous while Variscite is waxy.
- Apatite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.1–3.2 versus 2.6 for Variscite).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Apatite is Transparent to translucent, Variscite is translucent.
- They overlap in green, blue, and yellow, but Apatite also comes in purple, clear, and brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Apatite is Hexagonal, Variscite is orthorhombic.
Apatite vs Variscite properties
| Property | Apatite | Variscite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 4 |
| Luster | Vitreous to subresinous | waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.1–3.2 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green, Blue, Yellow, Violet, Colorless, Brown | Green, Blue-green, Yellow-green |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $10–$350+ |
Which is more valuable?
Variscite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $20 for Apatite, and premium Variscite can reach $350 or more.
About Apatite
Apatite is the collective name for a group of calcium phosphate minerals, chiefly hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite, and chlorapatite, sharing the general formula Ca5(PO4)3(F,Cl,OH). It is the mineral that defines hardness 5 on the Mohs scale and forms the mineral component of bones and teeth in vertebrates. Gem-quality crystals range from pale green and blue to vivid neon blue-green varieties prized by collectors.
About Variscite
Variscite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate prized for its green to blue-green color. It typically occurs as massive nodules and veins with a waxy luster and is cut into cabochons and carvings as an attractive ornamental stone.
Apatite vs Variscite FAQ
Is Apatite the same as Variscite?
No. Apatite is a mineral while Variscite is a phosphate mineral. Apatite is harder (Mohs 5) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Apatite will scratch Variscite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Apatite from Variscite?
Apatite is harder (Mohs 5) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Apatite will scratch Variscite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Luster is different: Apatite is vitreous to subresinous while Variscite is waxy. Apatite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.1–3.2 versus 2.6 for Variscite).
Which is harder, Apatite or Variscite?
Apatite is harder: Mohs 5 against Mohs 4 for Variscite.
Which is more valuable, Apatite or Variscite?
Variscite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $20 for Apatite, and premium Variscite can reach $350 or more.
