Variscite is a relatively rare hydrated aluminum phosphate that is sometimes used as an ornamental material for cabochons, carvings and inlays. It is found in a variety of greenish chromium-based hues that range from a pale yellowish green to a bright cyan, with some localities producing material with light or dark veins made up of mineral impurities such as crandallite, limonite and wardite.

The mineral was first found in 1837 within what is now the Vogtland region of northeastern Germany, but was named after the area’s historical title of Variscia. However, today’s two most valued localities are both in the southwestern United States, with variscite from Utah possessing an attractive emerald green hue and material from Nevada displaying a black spider web pattern which resembles that seen in turquoise.