mineral

Polished turquoise (likely stabilized)

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically blue-green to green with dark matrix; waxy to subvitreous luster, cryptocrystalline structure, no visible cleavage, Mohs hardness 5–6, specific gravity about 2.6–2.8. The rounded, glossy surface suggests a polished or tumbled specimen; exact identification is uncertain from the image alone.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished turquoise (likely stabilized)
Scientific name: Turquoise — hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: mineral
Identified: August 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for common polished or stabilized pieces; $50–$500+ for fine natural turquoise with strong color, desirable matrix, and verified provenance.

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 in Cenozoic weathering zones. Major sources include Iran, the southwestern United States, China, Chile, and Mexico.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochon jewelry, beads, carvings, and ornamental objects; historically important in Indigenous and Persian jewelry traditions. Lower-grade material is often stabilized with resin to improve durability.

Geological facts

Natural turquoise commonly shows brown, black, or reddish host-rock matrix, while color ranges from sky blue to green depending partly on iron and copper content. It is porous and can darken or absorb oils during handling.

Field identification & locations

Field clues include blue-green color, opaque appearance, relatively low hardness, and a waxy polish; it should not scratch glass reliably. Similar materials include dyed howlite, magnesite, chrysocolla, and turquoise composite, so laboratory testing may be required.