mineral

Turquoise beads (likely dyed howlite or magnesite imitation)

Turquoise: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O; the pictured beads may instead be dyed Ca-Mg carbonate, which cannot be confirmed visually

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, vivid blue-green, polished spherical beads; natural turquoise is Mohs 5–6, waxy to dull, and triclinic. The smooth uniform color and dark pits/veins are common in treated or imitation beads.

Identified October 8, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Turquoise beads (likely dyed howlite or magnesite imitation)
Scientific name: Turquoise: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O; the pictured beads may instead be dyed Ca-Mg carbonate, which cannot be confirmed visually
Category: mineral
Identified: October 8, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a strand of dyed imitation beads; genuine turquoise strands commonly range from $20 to several hundred dollars, depending on quality and 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

Natural turquoise forms as a secondary copper phosphate in arid-zone weathering deposits; major deposits are geologically varied, commonly Cenozoic or older. The beads are cut and polished, and may be dyed or stabilized.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry and ornaments; turquoise is also valued for inlay and collecting.

Geological facts

Turquoise has been prized since antiquity, including in ancient Egyptian and Indigenous American jewelry.

Field identification & locations

Look for natural color variation, matrix veining, and a cool, relatively dense feel; dye can collect in pits, so visual identification is uncertain. Common sources include Iran, the southwestern United States, China, and Mexico.