Variscite

General Information: Chemical Formula:AlPO4·2(H2O) Composition:(Molecular Weight = 157.98 gm)Aluminum 17.08 % AlPhosphorus 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:whiteMore details...