mineral

Polished turquoise cabochon pendant

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque blue-green, waxy to subvitreous luster, commonly brown or black limonite matrix; Mohs hardness 5–6, triclinic structure, no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6–2.9. The pictured stone is polished and mounted in metal.

Identified September 1, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished turquoise cabochon pendant 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: Polished turquoise cabochon pendant
Scientific name: Turquoise, hydrated copper–aluminum phosphate: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: mineral
Identified: September 1, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $20–$100 for a typical mounted commercial pendant; $100–$500+ for high-grade natural turquoise, depending on provenance, matrix, craftsmanship, and silverwork.

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

Forms as a secondary mineral in arid, copper-rich, phosphate-bearing rocks through groundwater alteration, commonly during Cenozoic weathering. Major deposits occur in Iran, the southwestern United States, China, Chile, and Mexico.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, inlay, carvings, and ornamental jewelry; historically valued as a decorative and symbolic stone. It has little industrial use.

Geological facts

Color ranges from sky blue to green depending largely on copper, iron, and zinc content; matrix patterns can help indicate locality. Much commercial turquoise is stabilized with resin, reconstituted, dyed, or simulated.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its opaque blue-green color, relatively soft feel, waxy polish, and natural matrix; glassy translucence or extreme hardness suggests an imitation. Common localities include Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Iran, and Hubei, China.