Comparison · Phosphate Minerals
Variscite vs Wavellite
Variscite and Wavellite are easy to confuse because both are phosphate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 4, 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 Variscite and Wavellite
- Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Luster is different: Variscite is waxy while Wavellite is vitreous.
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Variscite also comes in blue and Wavellite also comes in white and brown.
Variscite vs Wavellite properties
| Property | Variscite | Wavellite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Phosphate Minerals | Phosphate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 4 | 3.75 |
| Luster | waxy | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.36 |
| Crystal system | orthorhombic | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green, Blue-green, Yellow-green | Green, Yellow, White, Brown |
| Rarity | uncommon | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$350+ | $8–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Variscite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $45 for Wavellite, and premium Variscite can reach $350 or more.
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.
About Wavellite
Wavellite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate famous for its radiating, spherical crystal aggregates. When a specimen is broken, the fan-like internal structure forms a distinctive starburst pattern that makes wavellite a collector favorite.
Variscite vs Wavellite FAQ
Is Variscite the same as Wavellite?
No. Both are phosphate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Variscite from Wavellite?
Both sit near Mohs 4, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Luster is different: Variscite is waxy while Wavellite is vitreous. They overlap in green and yellow, but Variscite also comes in blue and Wavellite also comes in white and brown.
Which is harder, Variscite or Wavellite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 4.
Which is more valuable, Variscite or Wavellite?
Variscite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $55 against $45 for Wavellite, and premium Variscite can reach $350 or more.
