mineral
Turquoise
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 5 to 6, striking robin's egg blue to greenish-blue color with waxy to subvitreous luster, and a triclinic crystal system.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, striking robin's egg blue to greenish-blue color with waxy to subvitreous luster, and a triclinic crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary mineral through the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing copper-bearing minerals in arid climates.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and inlay work.
Geological facts
Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gem materials, historically prized by the Ancient Egyptians and Native Americans.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and dark web-like matrix veins, commonly found in the southwestern United States, 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