gemstone

Turquoise inlay or stabilized turquoise jewelry fragment

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green opaque material with a waxy to subvitreous luster; Mohs hardness 5–6, cryptocrystalline structure, and no visible cleavage. The surrounding beaded metal setting suggests a cut, polished, possibly stabilized specimen rather than a raw stone.

Identified August 22, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Turquoise inlay or stabilized turquoise jewelry fragment
Scientific name: Turquoise — hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: gemstone
Identified: August 22, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a tiny common inlay or fragment; $50–$300+ for verified high-grade natural turquoise, depending on color, matrix, origin, 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

Turquoise forms in arid, oxidized copper deposits when phosphate-bearing groundwater alters aluminum-rich host rocks, commonly as veinlets or nodules. Most deposits are Cenozoic to Mesozoic in age, though exact age depends on locality.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, inlay, beads, and ornamental jewelry; lower-grade material is commonly stabilized with resin. It has little construction or industrial use.

Geological facts

Natural turquoise commonly shows brown or black limonite matrix, while dyed howlite or magnesite can imitate it. A blue-green color with copper-associated geology and a relatively soft surface supports identification.

Field identification & locations

Important sources include Iran, the southwestern United States, Mexico, China, and Egypt. Confirm with magnification, hardness testing on an inconspicuous area, and gemological testing; the image alone cannot verify authenticity.