gemstone
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, characteristic robin's egg blue to greenish-blue color, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Turquoise in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, characteristic robin's egg blue to greenish-blue color, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing minerals and rocks, typically in arid climates where copper-rich solutions interact with aluminum-bearing minerals.
Uses & applications
Widely used in high-end jewelry, decorative inlay work, and coveted as a sacred ornamental stone in many indigenous cultures.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gems, used by the ancient Egyptians in royal burial jewelry and by Native Americans for trade and ceremony.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct blue-green color and dark web-like matrix veins, commonly mined in the southwestern United States, Iran, and China.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Topaz
Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
mineral
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary