mineral
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 5 to 6, blue to green color, waxy to subvitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system with a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.9.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Turquoise in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, blue to green color, waxy to subvitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system with a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.9.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary mineral through the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing copper-bearing rocks in arid climates.
Uses & applications
Widely utilized in fine jewelry, ornamental carvings, and inlay work due to its striking vibrant color.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, prized by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Native Americans for amulets and currency.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive robin's-egg blue color and dark matrix web veins, commonly found in the southwestern United States, Iran, and China.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous