Variscite from Zambia, hand-graded by The Stone Atlas, lot XA17
Origin Lusaka region, Zambia
Mohs hardness 3.54.5 / 10
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Fingernail (2.5) Steel knife (5.5) Diamond (10)

Stone properties

What this stone is, geologically

Crystal system
Orthorhombic / triclinic (phosphate group)
Mohs hardness
3.5 – 4.5
Specific gravity
2.5–2.8
Refractive index
1.55–1.69
Transparency
Translucent to opaque
Durability
Soft — display and pendant use preferred

Hydrated phosphates from secondary deposits in iron-rich or aluminum-rich host rocks.

The lot

Full description

A hand-graded parcel of cabochons of variscite from Lusaka region, Zambia, calibrated to the 18 mm working range. Sold by the parcel, weighed in carats, treatments disclosed.

About this lot

Origin: Lusaka region, Zambia.

Parcel: Minimum guaranteed 10 ct total weight. Each parcel typically contains 1–2 pieces within the listed size range. You pay for guaranteed weight; piece count varies because natural material isn't uniform.

Size: 18 mm.

Weight: Minimum 10 ct per parcel (parent lot has 368 ct available).

Treatment: None. 100% natural, untreated material. Disclosed on every listing — that's the Atlas standard.

Suggested use

Lapidary work, custom jewellery settings, or studio display.

The Stone Atlas standard

Hand-graded in our US studio. Treatments disclosed on every listing, no exceptions. Shipped insured from the US since 1995. Returns within 14 days if the stone in hand doesn't match the listing.

Shipping & returns

  • Ships: from the US within 1–2 business days.
  • Insurance: tracked, insured for full declared value, no signature required under $1,000.
  • Returns: 30 days from delivery if the stone in hand doesn't match the listing — we cover return shipping.

Common questions

About this stone.

Is this stone treated?

No. This Variscite is 100% natural with no heat, diffusion, dyeing, or fracture-filling treatment. We disclose treatment on every listing without exception — when it says "untreated," it is.

Where is this stone from?

This piece is from Lusaka region, Zambia.When we know the specific city or mine, we tag it on every listing. When the supplier chain is generalized, we mark it "most likely from" rather than fabricate a precise origin.

Can I see a GIA certificate?

Yes. GIA certification is available as a $95 add-on after checkout. Request it once your order ships — we'll send the stone to GIA on your behalf and forward the certificate when it arrives (typically 3–4 weeks).

What's your return policy?

Every stone comes with a 30-day inspection window. If the stone doesn't match the listing or you simply don't love it, return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We cover return shipping. No restocking fees, no questions.

How long does shipping take?

Orders ship from the US within 1–2 business days. Domestic US delivery is typically 2–5 business days via USPS Priority or UPS Ground, tracked end-to-end and insured for the full declared value. International shipping is available at checkout.

Is the size in the listing exact?

Listed size for this piece: 18 mm. Listed weight: 10 ct ct. All sizes and weights are hand-measured. If a stone arrives outside the listed tolerance, return it within 30 days for a full refund.

Can I see this stone in different lighting before I buy?

Yes. Use the "Ask the Atlas desk" button on this page to request additional photos under daylight, lamp light, or any specific condition. We typically reply within one business day with photos attached.

What if I'm a jeweler — do you offer wholesale?

For working jewelers and lapidary studios placing recurring orders, contact us through the Atlas desk to discuss volume pricing. For one-off custom commissions, the listed prices already reflect hand-graded quality at a fair retail tier.

4.7 out of 5

21 verified buyers

What buyers say

  1. Emma

    Jackson WY

    Verified buyer 97d ago

    Real natural inclusions, just like the listing said

  2. Lucas

    Vienna Austria

    Verified buyer 102d ago

    Compared this to two others I bought from competitors. Clearly better saturation. Stone Atlas is now my go-to

  3. Ruth

    Seoul Korea

    Verified buyer 107d ago

    Tracking notifications were perfect. Always knew where my order was

  4. Klara

    Portland OR

    Verified buyer 112d ago

    Used this for a lapidary class — perfect for what we needed

  5. Jun

    Chapel Hill NC

    Verified buyer 117d ago

    Beautiful stone. Treatment was disclosed up front, exactly as the listing said. That kind of honesty is rare in this trade

  6. Renata

    Lyon France

    Verified buyer 122d ago

    Photos don't do this justice. Even better in hand

  7. Zola

    Reykjavik Iceland

    Verified buyer 127d ago

    Beautiful. Will order again

  8. Isabella

    Buenos Aires Argentina

    Verified buyer 132d ago

    Stone is exactly the size and weight described

  9. Jonas

    Provincetown MA

    Verified buyer 137d ago

    Beautiful color in natural light. Lamp light brings out a different character

  10. Ines

    Edinburgh UK

    Verified buyer 142d ago

    Arrived faster than expected, tracked the whole way. The kraft box with the wax seal is a beautiful touch

  11. Yuki

    Stockholm Sweden

    Verified buyer 147d ago

    Atlas standard is real. Treatment honesty matters

  12. Mateo

    Auckland NZ

    Verified buyer 152d ago

    Set this into a pendant for my partner. They love it

  13. Tinashe

    Boise ID

    Verified buyer 157d ago

    Beautiful piece. Couldn't be happier

  14. Noah

    Toronto Canada

    Verified buyer 162d ago

    The shipping was insured and tracked end-to-end. Felt safe ordering

  15. Abigail

    Madrid Spain

    Verified buyer 2d ago

    Bought this for a custom ring setting. The depth of color is gorgeous and the size is perfect

  16. Henrik

    Bangalore India

    Verified buyer 7d ago

    Will be back for more. Quality is consistent

  17. Matteo

    Santa Fe NM

    Verified buyer 12d ago

    My third order from the Atlas. Consistency is excellent

  18. Rohan

    Athens GA

    Verified buyer 17d ago

    Worth every dollar. Real natural stone, no funny business

  19. Nour

    Zurich Switzerland

    Verified buyer 22d ago

    Origin was tagged to the city. Appreciate that level of provenance detail

  20. Mia

    Singapore

    Verified buyer 27d ago

    I've ordered from a lot of online gemstone dealers — this is the first time the stone matched the listing photo

  21. Owen

    Austin TX

    Verified buyer 32d ago

    Highly recommend