mineral
Turquoise
Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Sky-blue to apple-green, Luster: Waxy to subvitreous, Crystal structure: Triclinic (usually cryptocrystalline), Specific gravity: 2.6-2.9
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Sky-blue to apple-green, Luster: Waxy to subvitreous, Crystal structure: Triclinic (usually cryptocrystalline), Specific gravity: 2.6-2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed by the percolation of meteoric water through aluminous rock in the presence of copper and phosphorus. Usually found in arid environments associated with volcanic rocks or sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, decorative ornaments, and amulets. It is the traditional birthstone for December.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, used by Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans. It is the state gemstone of Arizona and New Mexico.
Field identification & locations
Look for its unique robin's-egg blue or green color with a waxy luster. In the field, look for thin veins or crusts in altered volcanic rocks in desert regions like the American Southwest, Iran, or China.
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Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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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