gemstone

Blue-green gemstone cabochon, likely turquoise or chrysocolla

Turquoise: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O; chrysocolla: hydrated copper aluminosilicate (variable composition)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished opaque blue-green cabochon with vitreous-to-waxy luster; hardness is approximately Mohs 5–6 for turquoise and 2.5–3.5 for chrysocolla. The visible metal setting and highlights prevent confident identification of crystal structure or specific gravity.

Identified August 15, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Blue-green gemstone cabochon, likely turquoise or chrysocolla
Scientific name: Turquoise: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O; chrysocolla: hydrated copper aluminosilicate (variable composition)
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$100 for common mounted material; fine natural turquoise jewelry can range from $100 to $1,000+.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Turquoise forms as a secondary copper-phosphate mineral in arid, oxidized deposits, commonly millions of years old; chrysocolla forms in oxidized copper zones. Common sources include Arizona, Nevada, Iran, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and Australia.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry and ornamental objects; turquoise is generally more durable and valuable, while chrysocolla is often stabilized or mounted protectively.

Geological facts

The blue-green color comes primarily from copper. The photograph shows a mounted, polished stone rather than a natural hand specimen, and color alone cannot distinguish turquoise from chrysocolla or dyed material.

Field identification & locations

Test cautiously: turquoise is opaque, relatively hard, and often has matrix veining; chrysocolla is softer and may scratch easily. Reliable identification requires hardness, density, magnification, and sometimes spectroscopy.