mineral

Turquoise

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

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Sky blue, blue-green, or apple green; Luster: Waxy to subvitreous; Crystal Structure: Triclinic (usually occurs as massive cryptocrystalline or nodules); Cleavage: Perfect (rarely seen); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale)
Color: Sky blue, blue-green, or 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 acidic aqueous solutions during the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing minerals. It typically occurs in arid regions as veins or crusts in altered volcanic rocks or sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry making (cabochons, beads, inlays) and as an ornamental gemstone. High-quality specimens are highly sought after by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, famously used in the funeral mask of King Tutankhamun and prized by Native American cultures for centuries as a sacred stone. Its name comes from the French 'turquois', meaning 'Turkish', as it originally entered Europe through Turkey.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct robin's egg blue to green color and opaque nature. Common locations include the Southwestern USA (Arizona, Nevada), Iran, China, and Egypt. Collectors look for uniform color and hardness; porous or pale samples are often stabilized with resin.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

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Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

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