mineral

Dyed turquoise-colored howlite or magnesite (likely imitation turquoise)

Howlite: Ca₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅; magnesite: MgCO₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, vivid blue-green, waxy to vitreous luster, and smoothly tumbled; likely Mohs hardness 3–4.5, with no visible crystal faces or cleavage. White/gray matrix veining is commonly present but appears minimal here.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

Explore Dyed turquoise-colored howlite or magnesite (likely imitation turquoise) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Dyed turquoise-colored howlite or magnesite (likely imitation turquoise)
Scientific name: Howlite: Ca₂B₅SiO₉(OH)₅; magnesite: MgCO₃
Category: mineral
Identified: August 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as a tumbled or cabochon specimen; genuine turquoise of comparable size may range from $10 to several hundred dollars depending on quality and origin.

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

Howlite and magnesite form as secondary carbonate minerals in evaporite-rich or hydrothermal settings, commonly in Cenozoic and older sedimentary terrains. The intense uniform color strongly suggests artificial dyeing rather than natural turquoise.

Uses & applications

Used as an inexpensive turquoise substitute in beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings; generally unsuitable for durable jewelry because it is relatively soft and porous.

Geological facts

Natural turquoise is a hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O, and typically shows blue-green color with matrix, variable opacity, and hardness around 5–6. Dye can concentrate in cracks and may transfer with acetone or a damp cotton swab, though testing can damage the piece.

Field identification & locations

Commonly sold as “dyed howlite,” “dyed magnesite,” or imitation turquoise; check for unnaturally saturated color, white pores, and dye pooling around fractures. Likely locations are commercial lapidary markets rather than a distinctive natural locality.