Varandite

Varandite is a rare mineral species known from a small number of localities worldwide. The name derives from the locality where the type specimens were originally collected, following a long tradition in mineral nomenclature. Because only scattered specimens have been reported, varandite is most often encountered as microscopic crystals or crusts rather than as well-formed samples suitable for display.

In hand samples, varandite is typically colorless to pale yellow or greenish and has a vitreous luster. Crystals are commonly prismatic to tabular and may occur as coatings on other minerals. The mineral’s hardness and cleavage are described differently across analyses, but it is generally considered to have moderate hardness with limited cleavage. Modern studies indicate a vanadium-rich composition with phosphate- or vanadate-like constituents, and analyses often emphasize its brittleness and low birefringence under polarized light.

Occurrence and associations: Varandite forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites and is found with minerals such as quartz and calcite, though exact paragenesis is locality-dependent. Because varandite is so rare, precise locality information is important for identification, and scientists rely on techniques such as X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis to confirm its identity. The International Mineralogical Association recognizes varandite as a valid mineral species, and type material is curated in selected scientific collections around the world.