Serpentine Vs. Turquoise

Serpentine is a popular mineral group composed of a group of silicates.^[1] Turquoise is a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is copper aluminum phosphate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Serpentine and Turquoise

For a quick recap of the differences serpentine and turquoise:

• While both serpentine and turquoise can be opaque or translucent, serpentine can be transparent.
• In terms of crystallography, serpentine is monoclinic while turquoise is triclinic.
• For chemical formulas, serpentine can be (Mg, Al, Al, Fe, Fe)2O5(OH)4, Mn)2_3(Si, Ni or Zn while turquoise is CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8• 4H2O.
• While both serpentine and turquoise can be waxy, in terms of luster, serpentine can be greasy or silky and turquoise can be dull or vitreous.
• While both serpentine and turquoise can be commonly green, turquoise is often blue.
• Serpentine's rarity is less rare than turquoise.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Serpentine and Turquoise

The similarities of serpentine and turquoise include:

• Serpentine and turquoise both streak white.
• Serpentine's hardness overlaps with turquoise - serpentine ranges from 2 to 5 and turquoise ranges from 5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.

Summary of Serpentine

Serpentine is a group of minerals that are commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It is typically green in color and has a waxy or oily texture. Serpentine can be identified by its unique color and texture, as well as its tendency to break into small, fibrous pieces. It is also often associated with other minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene.

Summary of Turquoise

Turquoise is a mineral that is a blue to greenish-blue color, often with veins or web-like patterns of darker color running through it. It is a relatively soft mineral, with a Mohs hardness of between 5 and 6, and has been used for decorative purposes for thousands of years. One of the most famous sources of turquoise is the Southwest United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico, but it can also be found in other parts of the world, such as Iran, Afghanistan, and China.

Table Comparison of Serpentine vs Turquoise