gemstone

Turquoise bead necklace

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque blue to blue-green beads with a polished, waxy-to-vitreous luster; Mohs hardness 5–6. Turquoise is triclinic and typically lacks visible cleavage; the photograph does not establish whether these beads are natural, stabilized, or imitation.

Identified October 4, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Turquoise forms as a secondary mineral when copper-rich fluids alter aluminum- and phosphorus-bearing rocks, commonly in arid-zone deposits. Its age depends on the deposit; many commercially important sources formed during the Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, and decorative objects; historically prized in jewelry and ornament.

Geological facts

The blue color comes chiefly from copper, while iron can contribute greener tones. Turquoise has been used in jewelry for thousands of years.

Field identification & locations

Natural turquoise is relatively soft and often shows a matrix of host rock, though some stones are uniformly colored or treated. Major sources include the southwestern United States, Iran, China, and Mexico; appearance alone cannot confirm authenticity.