gemstone

Polished turquoise cabochon (likely turquoise or imitation)

Turquoise, hydrated copper–aluminum phosphate: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green opaque body with dark matrix-like veining and waxy polish; turquoise is triclinic, Mohs hardness 5–6, and specific gravity about 2.6–2.9. The rounded shape is a polished cabochon; image details cannot confirm whether the veining is natural matrix, dyed material, or an imitation.

Identified August 28, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished turquoise cabochon (likely turquoise or imitation)
Scientific name: Turquoise, hydrated copper–aluminum phosphate: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 28, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for common stabilized or imitation pieces; $50–$300+ for attractive natural turquoise, with exceptional untreated material potentially worth much more.

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 mineral in arid, copper-rich, aluminum- and phosphate-bearing rocks, commonly by groundwater alteration; deposits are generally young geologically, often Cenozoic. Common sources include Iran, the southwestern United States, China, Egypt, and Mexico.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, carvings, and ornamental objects; historically important in Persian, Native American, and Central Asian jewelry. Construction use is negligible.

Geological facts

Dark webbing may be limonite or host-rock matrix, a valued feature in some varieties. Stabilization, dyeing, reconstitution, and plastic imitations are widespread in the trade.

Field identification & locations

Natural turquoise is opaque, relatively soft, and often has irregular matrix; it should not show glass-like transparency or uniform plastic appearance. Common localities include Nishapur, Iran; Arizona and Nevada; Hubei, China; and Sonora, Mexico.