mineral

Turquoise

Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Sky blue to blue-green; Luster: Waxy to subvitreous; Crystal structure: Triclinic (usually cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: Perfect, but rarely seen in massive forms; SG: 2.6-2.9

Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale)
Color: Sky blue to blue-green
Luster: Waxy to subvitreous

Identified June 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the percolation of meteoric water through aluminous rock in the presence of copper; typically found in arid climates as secondary minerals in weathered volcanic rocks.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, decorative carvings, and inlays. Historically used in talismans and masks by ancient civilizations.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, used by the Egyptians as early as 3000 BCE. Its name comes from the French 'turquois' meaning 'Turkish', as it was first brought to Europe through Turkey.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and waxy appearance. Field identification often looks for its occurrence in veins or nodules within altered volcanic host rocks. Common in the Southwestern US, Iran, and China.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock