mineral

Dyed turquoise bead

Turquoise, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O; likely stabilized or reconstructed turquoise

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green, opaque, waxy to subvitreous luster, commonly spiderwebbed with dark matrix; triclinic phosphate mineral, Mohs hardness 5–6, specific gravity about 2.6–2.9, with poor cleavage. The bright uniform color and jewelry setting suggest treated or synthetic/reconstituted material, though it remains geological if tu…

Identified August 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Turquoise forms when copper-rich groundwater alters aluminum- and phosphorus-bearing rocks in arid environments, commonly as fracture fillings and nodules; deposits are generally Cenozoic to older, depending on locality. The bead has been cut, polished, and likely stabilized with resin or dyed.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in beads, cabochons, inlay, and ornamental jewelry; notable sources include Arizona, Nevada, Iran, China, Tibet, Chile, and Mexico. Common commercial material may sell for $5–$30 per bead or $20–$150 for a finished strand; fine natural untreated turquoise can be much more valuable.

Geological facts

Natural turquoise is porous and often shows brown or black limonite/iron-oxide matrix. Identification is aided by hardness, copper-related blue-green color, low density, and avoiding glassy luster or perfectly uniform dyed color; acetone or scratch tests should not be performed on jewelry.

Field identification & locations

The specimen appears to be a turquoise-like turquoise-blue bead in a corded accessory, but visual evidence cannot distinguish natural, stabilized, dyed, and imitation material conclusively. Common low-grade treated beads have modest collector value; estimated market range is $5–$50 for this piece.