gemstone

Turquoise

CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bright blue to green, often with webbed matrix veins of brown or black. Luster: Waxy to subvitreous. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, good in another, but rarely seen. Specific gravity: 2.60-2.85.

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale
Luster: Waxy to subvitreous

Identified August 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the action of meteoric waters percolating downward through copper-bearing rocks in arid climates, typically replacing host rocks like aluminum-rich volcanic or sedimentary rocks.

Uses & applications

Widely used in high-end and indigenous jewelry, ornamental carvings, and inlay work.

Geological facts

Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gemstones, prized by the ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans for thousands of years as a protective amulet and symbol of status.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive robin's-egg blue or greenish-blue color and matrix webbing. Commonly found in the southwestern United States, Iran, China, and Egypt. Collectors look for high hardness, lack of chalkiness, and attractive spiderweb matrix patterns.