mineral

Turquoise (likely stabilized or Howlite/Magnesite imitation)

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

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Sky blue to apple green; Luster: Waxy to subvitreous; Crystal Structure: Triclinic (usually cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: Perfect (rarely seen due to fine-grained nature); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale)
Color: Sky blue to apple green
Luster: Waxy to subvitreous

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the percolation of meteoric water through copper-bearing rocks; a secondary mineral occurring in the oxidation zones of copper deposits, typically in arid regions. Most deposits are under 30 million years old.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry and decorative carvings. It has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years by cultures ranging from Ancient Egypt to Native American tribes.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history; it was used by the Aztecs for ceremonial masks. It is the birthstone for December. High-quality natural turquoise is porous and often 'stabilized' with plastic/resin to improve durability and color.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct robin-egg blue color and association with copper ores (like malachite or azurite). Found in Iran, Southwest USA, China, and Mexico. For collectors: look for 'spiderweb' matrix and check for dyed imitations by using a cotton swab with acetone.

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