gemstone

African Turquoise

Jasper / Quartz matrix (Trade name: African Turquoise, chemically a form of microcrystalline quartz with various mineral inclusions)

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Teal, blue-green, or green with dark brown or black webbed matrix inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to waxy when polished. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.58 to 2.65.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to waxy when polished

Identified July 28, 2026More gemstone →

Explore African Turquoise in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in arid or semi-arid environments through the deposition and precipitation of silica-rich solutions in pre-existing rock fractures, often associated with ancient volcanic activity and hydrothermal alteration.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry making, specifically as beads for bracelets, necklaces, and pendants, as well as in ornamental carvings.

Geological facts

Despite its common trade name, African Turquoise is actually a form of jasper (a microcrystalline quartz) rather than true turquoise (a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum). Its distinct color comes from trace minerals like chromium and iron.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its vibrant blue-green color combined with striking black or dark brown web-like matrix patterns. Commonly sourced from deposits in South Africa and frequently used by bead and jewelry artisans.

Other gemstone specimens

See all

Diamond and Gold Jewelry

Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)

gemstone

Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

gemstone

Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)

Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)

gemstone

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone