mineral

Turquoise

Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Sky blue to blue-green, Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Triclinic (rarely seen as crystals), Cleavage: Perfect (rarely observed), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9

Identified June 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the percolation of meteoric water through aluminous rock in the presence of copper; typically found in arid climates as veins or crusts in altered volcanic rocks.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and talismans. Occasionally used in inlay work for furniture or decorative objects.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, used by ancient Egyptians and Native Americans for over 3,000 years. Its name comes from the French 'pierre turquoise', meaning 'Turkish stone'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its unique robin-egg blue or greenish-blue color and waxy luster. Often found in copper mining regions such as the Southwestern United States, Iran, and China. Collectors look for 'spiderweb' matrix patterns.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic