Mineral
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
Hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, typically a pale blue to green color, waxy to subvitreous luster, triclinic crystal system. Usually occurs in massive or microcrystalline forms.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, typically a pale blue to green color, waxy to subvitreous luster, triclinic crystal system. Usually occurs in massive or microcrystalline forms.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the secondary alteration of rocks, often in arid regions where groundwater percolates through copper-rich rocks and reacts with aluminum and phosphorus-bearing minerals.
Uses & applications
A popular gemstone used extensively in jewelry, especially Native American and Southwestern styles.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, used by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans. It is the birthstone for December.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and waxy luster. Often found in arid regions like the southwestern United States, Iran, and China.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral