Yes, they can be used in much the same way. However, variegated is a word that is not heard very often at all. The most common usage is when describing plants - "variegated leaves" for instance when it usually has a more specific meaning related to varied colours. There won't be many times when variegated is a better word to use and you are likely to sound a touch odd if you drop it into normal conversation - unless they are a keen gardener the chances are the average English speaker won't know the word very well.

I don't think variegated is being used on normal speaking.

I think the most common use of variegated is with yarn used for needle arts. A variegated yarn gradually changes colors along the strand. In that sense, it is used quite often. Or fabric that gradually changes color along its length.