gemstone

Turquoise cabochon or turquoise-bearing material

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green, opaque to slightly translucent, generally waxy to subvitreous luster; Mohs hardness 5–6, triclinic structure, poor cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.6–2.9. The image suggests a small polished or irregular turquoise piece, though identification is uncertain from appearance alone.

Identified September 16, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Turquoise cabochon or turquoise-bearing material
Scientific name: Turquoise, hydrated copper aluminum phosphate — CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a small common or stabilized piece; $50–$500+ for natural, vivid, untreated turquoise, depending on provenance, matrix, and craftsmanship.

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 environments through groundwater alteration of aluminum- and phosphorus-bearing rocks, commonly in deposits millions to hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used for beads, cabochons, inlay, and ornamental carvings; historically important in jewelry and ceremonial objects. Stabilized or dyed turquoise is common commercially.

Geological facts

Natural turquoise often shows brown or black limonite matrix, but clear blue-green material can lack matrix. Similar-looking materials include dyed howlite, chrysocolla, glass, and synthetic turquoise.

Field identification & locations

Field clues include blue-green color, opaque waxy appearance, low-to-moderate hardness, and a nonmetallic streak; definitive identification requires hardness, density, magnification, or laboratory testing. Major sources include Iran, Arizona, Nevada, China, Mexico, and Tibet.