mineral

Turquoise (set in silver jewelry)

Turquoise - CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O (Hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Sky blue to apple green, Luster: Waxy to subvitreous, Crystal Structure: Triclinic (usually cryptocrystalline), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9.

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Turquoise (set in silver jewelry)
Scientific name: Turquoise - CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O (Hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate)
Category: mineral
Identified: March 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$20-$100 for common sterling silver jewelry with stabilized stone; $200-$1,000+ for high-grade 'bisbee' or 'sleeping beauty' untreated specimens in fine settings.

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

Formed by the percolation of acidic aqueous solutions during the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing minerals. It is a secondary mineral usually found in arid regions within volcanic or sedimentary host rocks.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads, and inlay) and ornamental carvings. It has been a prized gemstone for over 3,000 years.

Geological facts

Turquoise was one of the first gemstones ever mined; the ancient Egyptians mined it in the Sinai Peninsula as far back as 3000 BCE. Its name comes from the French 'turquois' meaning 'Turkish', as it first reached Europe via Turkey.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unique blue-green color and 'matrix' (web-like veins of host rock). Often found in copper-rich deposits in the Southwestern USA, China, and Iran. Collectors should check for stabilization treatments or dye.