mineral
Mohave Turquoise (Composite/Stabilized)
Hydrated copper aluminium phosphate (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O) with stabilizing resin and metallic inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-6 (Mohs), Color: Multicolored (orange, blue, white, copper/bronze), Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous, Crystal structure: Triclinic (usually massive), Cleavage: Perfect to fair.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs), Color: Multicolored (orange, blue, white, copper/bronze), Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous, Crystal structure: Triclinic (usually massive), Cleavage: Perfect to fair.
Formation & geological history
Mohave Turquoise is created using a process where turquoise from the Kingman Mine is crushed and reconstituted with resin and often mixed with other minerals like Mojave orange spiny oyster shell and bronze/copper metal matrix. This process occurred in modern times rather than geological millions of years.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry, particularly Southwestern and Bohemian styles, due to its vibrant colors and structural stability.
Geological facts
Unlike natural turquoise, 'Mohave' turquoise is a man-made composite. It is named after the Mojave desert near the Kingman mine in Arizona where the base turquoise material is sourced.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its unique 'spiny oyster' orange and blue patterns interwoven with metallic copper veins. It is commonly found in Arizona jewelery workshops and is a staple of contemporary Native American silversmithing.
