Turquoise

Turquoise is a very popular gemstone composed of copper aluminum phosphate. ^[1]

Turquoise: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Turquoise:

• Transparency: Turquoise can be opaque or translucent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, turquoise is triclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, turquoise can be dull, vitreous (glassy) or waxy.
• Streak: Turquoise streaks white.
• Hardness: Turquoise's hardness ranges from 5 to 6 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Turquoise's specific gravity ranges from 2.4 to 2.6.

Turquoise: Background and Summary

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.

To identify turquoise, look for its distinctive blue-green color and any veins or patterns running through it. It is often opaque, meaning that it is not transparent or translucent, and can have a waxy or dull luster. It can be confused with other minerals, such as chrysocolla or variscite, so it is important to consult with an expert or use specialized equipment to confirm that a sample is indeed turquoise.

Turquoise has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including jewelry, pottery, and decorative objects. It has been prized by many cultures, such as the Native Americans, who used it for jewelry and ceremonial objects. In modern times, it is still used for jewelry and decorative objects, and is also sometimes used in the manufacture of electronics and other industrial applications.