mineral

Turquoise (Dyed Howlite/Magnesite imitation)

CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O (Target mineral) / Ca2B5SiO9(OH)5 (Actual specimen: Howlite)

Hardness: 3.5 (Howlite) vs 5-6 (True Turquoise); Color: Sky blue with dark grey/black veining; Luster: Sub-vitreous to earthy; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: None visible in beads.

Hardness: 3
Color: Sky blue with dark grey/black veining
Luster: Sub-vitreous to earthy

Identified April 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3.5 (Howlite) vs 5-6 (True Turquoise); Color: Sky blue with dark grey/black veining; Luster: Sub-vitreous to earthy; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: None visible in beads.

Formation & geological history

Formed as a secondary mineral in evaporite deposits (Howlite). The blue color is achieved by immersing naturally white, porous mineral nodules in artificial dyes to mimic authentic Turquoise.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in costume jewelry, beads, and mass-market craft ornaments. It serves as an affordable alternative to genuine Turquoise.

Geological facts

Most low-to-mid-range 'Turquoise' jewelry is actually dyed Howlite or Magnesite. You can often tell by looking at the drill holes where the white interior of the original mineral may still be visible.

Field identification & locations

Identify by performing a 'swipe test' with acetone on a cotton swab; if blue dye comes off, it is treated. It is commonly found in jewelry shops and bead markets worldwide.

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