[5] Variscite is a secondary mineral formed by direct deposition from phosphate-bearing water which has reacted with aluminium-rich rocks in a near-surface environment.

Appreciation of the color ranges typically found in variscite have made it a popular gem in recent years.

[7] Variscite from Nevada typically contains black spiderwebbing in the matrix and is often confused with green turquoise.

Its use continued during the Bronze Age and in Roman times although it was not until the 19th century that it was determined that all variscite used in Europe came from three sites in Spain, Gavá (Barcelona), Palazuelo de las Cuevas (Zamora), and Encinasola (Huelva).

[10] Variscite is sometimes used as a semi-precious stone, and is popular for carvings and ornamental use due to its beautiful and intense green color, and is commonly used in silversmithing in place of turquoise.