Variscite 10mm Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch Phillipines it has often been used

it has often been used as a substitute

The cabochon you received will not be exactly what is show in the image

It is sometimes used for scalpel blades in cardiac surgery

and was prized in ancient times for the ultramarine dye derived from it

It was used in the Egyptian Book of the Dead

Variscite 10mm Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch Phillipines it has often been usedVariscite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate is formed when phosphate rich water reacts with aluminum rich rocks near the surface. In its purest form, it's white, but metals like chromium and vanadium give it its green color. Variscite can be discolored by cosmetics, oils, and acids. It should be cleaned with a damp cloth and avoided from getting wet. Variscite is usually green, but can also be yellow, orange, or black. It's often mottled or veined,