mineral
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 5-6, distinctive robin's 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's egg blue to greenish-blue color, waxy to sub-vitreous luster, and triclinic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms in arid regions through the chemical action of descending water rich in copper reacting with aluminum and phosphorus-bearing minerals.
Uses & applications
Widely used in high-end indigenous jewelry, ornamental carvings, and inlaid decorative arts.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in history, prized by ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Native Americans as a protective amulet.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its unique blue-green color and dark web-like matrix veins; found in major deposits in the southwestern USA, Iran, and China.
