mineral

Turquoise (rough, likely stabilized or treated)

Turquoise, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque vivid blue-green material with a dull to waxy luster and uneven fracture; turquoise is triclinic and has Mohs hardness 5–6, but this specimen’s blocky appearance and unusually uniform color cannot be confirmed from the photo. It may be a turquoise-bearing rough specimen or processed material;…

Identified October 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Turquoise forms as a secondary copper phosphate in weathered, arid-zone deposits, commonly coating or filling fractures in host rock. Deposits range from geologically young weathering zones to much older rocks; the specimen’s age and locality are unknown.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, inlay, and ornamental objects; lower-grade material may be stabilized or used decoratively.

Geological facts

Natural turquoise often contains brown or black host-rock matrix, while stabilization with resin is common in commercial material.

Field identification & locations

Look for a waxy surface, opaque blue-to-green color, and matrix; hardness and chemical tests help distinguish it from dyed imitations. Major sources include the southwestern United States, Iran, China, and Mexico.