GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Persian Variscite
The tested tower is an aluminum phosphate, with variscite the researcher's preferred identification; some pyrite was present.
Report: Sample 1112, completed November 16, 2024. Alternate index name for the same tower. Its geographic origin was not verified by this mineralogical test.
Report images © Soul Body Gems, Alexander Falster and the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. Please acknowledge all three when referring to these results. Findings apply to the specimen identified in its report.
Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig.2: Backscattered electron images of the areas of the specimen.s analyzed Left: large loose stone, right: stone set in ring.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (aluminum phosphate, such as variscite)
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2 (pyrite)
Read the original laboratory report as text
The following text and tables are transcribed from the original laboratory document. Figure captions identify the report images; the laboratory interpretations and limitations are preserved.
Laboratory report 1
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1112 (variscite tower)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 11-16-2024
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0
degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV.
@soulbodygems
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimen. Approximately 45 mm maximum dimension.
Fig.2: Backscattered electron images of the areas of the specimen.s analyzed Left: large loose stone, right: stone set in
ring.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (aluminum phosphate, such as variscite)
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Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 2 in Fig. 2 (pyrite)
Table 1: Trace and minor elemenys in the phosphate, in wt. %.
Chromium 0.08
Iron 0.25
Vanadium 0.38
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is indeed an aluminum phosphate (Figs. 2 and 3). Variscite is the best
choice as other aluminum phosphates such as wavellite tend to be coarser-grained and often show radiating crystal
aggregates. Some pyrite was noted (Figs. 2 and 4). This is very reminiscent of the variscite/wavellite occurrences in
Arkansas such as near Avant. A deep-sea sediment, dark color and rich in vanadium and sulfides was present there and
these phosphates were colored green to blue from trivalent vanadium derived from the deep-sea sediments. This
material; may have been derived from a very similar environment elsewhere.
Date: 11-16-2024 Signature