Comparison · Phosphate Minerals
Pyromorphite vs Variscite
Pyromorphite and Variscite are easy to confuse because both are phosphate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Pyromorphite and Variscite
- Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Pyromorphite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7 versus 2.6 for Variscite).
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Pyromorphite also comes in brown and orange and Variscite also comes in blue.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Pyromorphite is hexagonal, Variscite is orthorhombic.
Pyromorphite vs Variscite properties
| Property | Pyromorphite | Variscite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Phosphate Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 3.75 | 4 |
| Luster | resinous | waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 7 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green, Yellow-green, Yellow, Brown, Orange | Green, Blue-green, Yellow-green |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $15–$600+ | $10–$350+ |
Which is more valuable?
Pyromorphite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $55 for Variscite, and premium Pyromorphite can reach $600 or more.
About Pyromorphite
Pyromorphite is a lead phosphate mineral prized for its bright green to yellow-green color and barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals. It is dense, has a resinous luster, and forms in the weathered upper zones of lead deposits.
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.
Pyromorphite vs Variscite FAQ
Is Pyromorphite the same as Variscite?
No. Both are phosphate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Pyromorphite from Variscite?
Both sit near Mohs 3.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Pyromorphite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 7 versus 2.6 for Variscite). They overlap in green and yellow, but Pyromorphite also comes in brown and orange and Variscite also comes in blue.
Which is harder, Pyromorphite or Variscite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 3.75.
Which is more valuable, Pyromorphite or Variscite?
Pyromorphite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $55 for Variscite, and premium Pyromorphite can reach $600 or more.
