[4] The cap is 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) in diameter, initially spherical to convex, then flattened or depressed, at first with thin, involute margin, bearing fragments of veil when young.

They are initially a rich cornflower blue, to lilac then finally ochre-cinnamon, with slightly scalloped edge.

The cortina (a cobweb-like partial veil made of silky fibrils) is and white, but later becomes cinnamon when the mushroom drops its spores.

[5] The flesh will turns a chrome yellow color when chemically tested with a dilute solution of potassium hydroxide or ammonia.

[7] The fruit bodies of Cortinarius varius grow in groups in coniferous forests, also in glades and at the edge of woods, from the end of summer until late in the autumn, when the frosts set in.