mineral
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, sky-blue to green-blue color, waxy to subvitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale, sky-blue to green-blue color, waxy to subvitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the action of meteoric waters percolating through copper-bearing aluminum rocks in arid regions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamentation, and inlaid decorative arts since ancient times.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, prized by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Native Americans.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive robin-egg blue color and web-like matrix patterns; found in arid mining regions worldwide.
