mineral

Turquoise

CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bright blue, bluish-green, to yellowish-green. Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous. Crystal Structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions, though rarely seen. Specific gravity: 2.60-2.85.

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Color: Bright blue, bluish-green, to yellowish-green
Luster: Waxy to sub-vitreous

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by aqueous solutions percolating through aluminum-bearing rocks during the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing minerals (such as copper sulfides) in arid regions.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, inlay work, and as a collector's gemstone.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gem materials, prized by the Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans for thousands of years as a stone of protection and healing.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive robin's-egg blue or greenish-blue color, often webbed with dark brown or black matrix veins. Found in major mining regions such as the Southwestern United States, Iran, China, and Sinai.