mineral

Turquoise

CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale, Color: Shades of blue, green, blue-green, Luster: Waxy to subvitreous, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.60-2.85

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale, Color: Shades of blue, green, blue-green, Luster: Waxy to subvitreous, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.60-2.85

Formation & geological history

Formed by the action of meteoric waters percolating through copper-bearing aluminum rocks during arid climatic conditions.

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 such as the Egyptians and Native Americans as a sacred stone of protection.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinctive robin's egg blue or greenish-blue color, often webbed with dark matrix veins. Found in arid regions worldwide, notably the southwestern United States, Iran, and China.