Variscite from Zambia, hand-graded by The Stone Atlas, lot XA85
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 cabochon of variscite from Lusaka region, Zambia, calibrated to the 25 mm working range. Sold as a single piece, weighed in carats, treatments disclosed.

About this lot

Origin: Lusaka region, Zambia.

Format: One specific cabochon, weighing approximately 18 ct, hand-graded from a parent lot of 869 ct. Each stone is similar in size and grade; you receive one cab matched to the listing.

Size: 25 mm.

Weight: ~18 ct per piece.

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: 25 mm. Listed weight: 18 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.

4.9 out of 5

12 verified buyers

What buyers say

  1. Tinashe

    Burlington VT

    Verified buyer 97d ago

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

  2. Noah

    Iowa City IA

    Verified buyer 102d ago

    Highly recommend

  3. Abigail

    Rome Italy

    Verified buyer 107d ago

    Smaller than I imagined but quality is high — exactly as listed

  4. Henrik

    Hong Kong

    Verified buyer 112d ago

    Fast shipping, beautiful packaging, accurate listing. What more can you ask

  5. Matteo

    Brooklyn NY

    Verified buyer 117d ago

    Bought as a 10-year anniversary gift. Stunning

  6. Rohan

    Berkeley CA

    Verified buyer 122d ago

    The 30-day inspection window made me comfortable ordering at this price point. Didn't need to use it

  7. Nour

    Berlin Germany

    Verified buyer 127d ago

    Exactly what I needed for my project

  8. Mia

    Tokyo Japan

    Verified buyer 132d ago

    Working on a custom necklace; this is the centerpiece

  9. Owen

    Cape Town South Africa

    Verified buyer 137d ago

    Lovely stone, lovely service. I'll order again

  10. Iris

    Carmel CA

    Verified buyer 142d ago

    Perfect for a setting I'm working on

  11. Niels

    Dublin Ireland

    Verified buyer 147d ago

    GIA certificate option was the deciding factor. Beautiful natural stone

  12. Arjun

    Oslo Norway

    Verified buyer 152d ago

    The provenance information was thorough and honest