mineral
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 5-6, distinctive robin-egg blue to greenish-blue color, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 5-6, distinctive robin-egg blue to greenish-blue color, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms by the action of meteoric waters percolating through copper-bearing aluminum-rich rocks in arid climates.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and inlay work.
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 unique blue-green color and dark web-like matrix veins, commonly found in the southwestern USA, Iran, and China.
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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