General Information:
Chemical Formula:
AlPO4·2(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 157.98 gm)
Aluminum 17.08 % Al
Phosphorus 19.61 % P
Hydrogen 2.55 % H
Oxygen 60.76 % O
Empirical Formula:
Al(PO4)·2(H2O)
IMA Status:
Approved IMA 1963
Name Origin:
Named after Variscia, the historical name of Vogtland, Germany.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[010] Perfect
Color:
blue green, colorless, green, or light green.
Density:
2.5 - 2.52, Average = 2.5
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to Translucent
Habits:
Massive - Uniformly indistinguishable crystals forming large masses., Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on matrix., Reniform - "Kidney like" in shape (e.g.. hematite).
Hardness:
4-5 - Fluorite-Apatite
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Earthy (Dull)
Streak:
white
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