mineral

Turquoise

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

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs; Color: Turquoise blue to green; Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Triclinic (usually massive); Cleavage: Perfect (rarely seen in massive form); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9

Hardness: 5-6 Mohs
Color: Turquoise blue to green
Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous

Identified June 9, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Secondary mineral formed in the oxidation zone of copper deposits by percolating meteoric waters. Usually found in arid or desert climates inhabiting veins and cavities of altered vuggy rocks.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and in southwestern or ethnic decorative arts.

Geological facts

One of the oldest gemstones in human history, it was mined by Ancient Egyptians as early as 3000 BCE. Its color is derived from copper (for blue) or iron (for green).

Field identification & locations

Identify by its sky-blue to apple-green color and waxy luster. In the field, look for black or brown 'matrix' veins of limonite or sandstone. Found in Iran, SW United States (Arizona, Nevada), and China.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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