mineral
Turquoise
Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Sky blue to blue-green, Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Triclinic (rarely seen as crystals), Cleavage: Perfect (rarely observed), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Sky blue to blue-green, Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Triclinic (rarely seen as crystals), Cleavage: Perfect (rarely observed), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed by the percolation of meteoric water through aluminous rock in the presence of copper; typically found in arid climates as veins or crusts in altered volcanic rocks.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and talismans. Occasionally used in inlay work for furniture or decorative objects.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, used by ancient Egyptians and Native Americans for over 3,000 years. Its name comes from the French 'pierre turquoise', meaning 'Turkish stone'.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its unique robin-egg blue or greenish-blue color and waxy luster. Often found in copper mining regions such as the Southwestern United States, Iran, and China. Collectors look for 'spiderweb' matrix patterns.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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