Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Phosphate Minerals
Turquoise vs Variscite
Turquoise and Variscite are easy to confuse. Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise 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 Turquoise and Variscite
- Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise will scratch Variscite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Streak color differs: Turquoise leaves a white to pale green streak on unglazed porcelain, Variscite leaves white.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Turquoise is opaque, Variscite is translucent.
- They overlap in blue and green, but Variscite also comes in yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Turquoise is triclinic, Variscite is orthorhombic.
Turquoise vs Variscite properties
| Property | Turquoise | Variscite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 4 |
| Luster | waxy | waxy |
| Streak | White to pale green | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.76 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Blue, Blue-Green, Green | Green, Blue-green, Yellow-green |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $20–$1000+ | $10–$350+ |
Which is more valuable?
Turquoise is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $55 for Variscite, and premium Turquoise can reach $1000 or more.
About Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green phosphate mineral prized for thousands of years. Persian turquoise is considered the finest quality.
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.
Turquoise vs Variscite FAQ
Is Turquoise the same as Variscite?
No. Turquoise is a semi-precious stone while Variscite is a phosphate mineral. Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise 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 Turquoise from Variscite?
Turquoise is harder (Mohs 6) than Variscite (Mohs 4), so Turquoise will scratch Variscite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Streak color differs: Turquoise leaves a white to pale green streak on unglazed porcelain, Variscite leaves white. Hold a thin edge to the light: Turquoise is opaque, Variscite is translucent.
Which is harder, Turquoise or Variscite?
Turquoise is harder: Mohs 6 against Mohs 4 for Variscite.
Which is more valuable, Turquoise or Variscite?
Turquoise is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $100 against $55 for Variscite, and premium Turquoise can reach $1000 or more.
