The Richard M. Geiger Collection

Figured in the Mineralogical Record Vol 37 no. 5 p. 481, Figure 7 (Sep/Oct) 2006, What's New in Minerals) Recovered 2006. From the Fabreminerals site: The color of these Variscites is extraordinary, deep red, and especially unusual for the species, placing them among the best known. Analysis indicate these Variscites are slightly ferroan (which is normal considering that Al and Fe form a series). We think, however, its color is not due to iron because the center of crystals is almost uncolored but the external zone is deeply colored yet both zones have the same chemical composition. Considering all this we think the red color may be due to color centers as is the case of some zoned Fluorites. ----- Photos courtesy of / ©2006 Fabre Minerals