mineral

Turquoise-look beads, likely dyed howlite or magnesite

Often dyed CaCO₃ (howlite/magnesite), rather than natural turquoise, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green, opaque, waxy to dull luster with dark spiderweb veining; bead surfaces are polished and spherical. Howlite has Mohs hardness 3–3.5, magnesite 3.5–4, and turquoise 5–6; all are nonmetallic and lack visible crystal faces.

Identified September 17, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Turquoise-look beads, likely dyed howlite or magnesite
Scientific name: Often dyed CaCO₃ (howlite/magnesite), rather than natural turquoise, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: mineral
Identified: September 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a strand of dyed beads; comparable genuine turquoise beads commonly range from $30 to several hundred dollars depending on quality and origin.

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

Howlite and magnesite form as secondary carbonate minerals in sedimentary or hydrothermal environments and are commonly dyed to imitate turquoise; their exact geological age depends on the deposit. Natural turquoise forms in arid, copper-rich oxidation zones.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for inexpensive jewelry, beads, carvings, and decorative objects; genuine turquoise has additional collector and fine-jewelry value.

Geological facts

The unusually uniform color and dense black veining strongly suggest dyed howlite or magnesite (“turquenite”), not high-grade natural turquoise. Dye may concentrate in cracks and can bleed with solvents.

Field identification & locations

Check inconspicuous areas for white interiors, dye pooling, or acetone transfer; a hardness test should be done only on an inconspicuous spot. Common sources include China, Africa, and the United States for turquoise-look material.