Semi-Precious Stones · uncommon
Turquoise
Turquoise is a blue-green phosphate mineral prized for thousands of years. Persian turquoise is considered the finest quality.
Also known as: blue stone, december birthstone, native american.
Turquoise properties at a glance
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O |
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Crystal system | triclinic |
| Luster | waxy |
| Streak | White to pale green |
| Cleavage | Good |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 2.76 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Blue, Blue-Green, Green |
| Rarity | uncommon |
Geology & background
Forms when water containing copper percolates through aluminum-rich rock in arid regions.
Sacred to many cultures including Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans for over 7,000 years.
How to identify Turquoise
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Turquoise examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Turquoise identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Turquoise vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Turquoise.
Where Turquoise is found
Turquoise is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Turquoise worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $20 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $100 |
| Premium specimen | $1000+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Decorative arts
- Spiritual practices
Interesting facts
- One of the first gemstones ever mined, dating back to 6000 BCE
- The word 'turquoise' comes from French for 'Turkish stone'
- Native Americans consider it a sacred stone
Care & safety
Treat Turquoise as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Turquoise FAQ
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is a blue-green phosphate mineral prized for thousands of years. Persian turquoise is considered the finest quality.
How much is Turquoise worth?
Entry-level Turquoise specimens sell for around $20, a typical collector specimen for about $100, and premium pieces for $1000 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Turquoise?
Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 6. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
Where is Turquoise found?
Notable sources of Turquoise include Iran, USA (Arizona, Nevada), China, Egypt, and Mexico. Forms when water containing copper percolates through aluminum-rich rock in arid regions..
What is Turquoise used for?
Turquoise is used for jewelry, decorative arts, and spiritual practices.
