Gemstone profile and identification guide
Turquoise
Turquoise is a Blue, Green phosphate prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.
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Overview
Turquoise is a Blue, Green phosphate prized for its distinctive beauty, historic appeal, and use in fine jewellery and collector pieces.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Turquoise
Scientific classification: Phosphate
Hardness: 6 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Triclinic
Primary colour: Blue
Secondary colour: Cyan / Blue-Green
Colour family: Blues & Cyans
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 6 Mohs
Chemical composition: Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8?4H2O)
Crystal system: Triclinic
Common locations: United States, Iran, China, Egypt
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Turquoise is classified within the blues & cyans palette. Primary colour: blue. Secondary colour: cyan / blue-green.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Formation
Forms in arid regions when copper-rich solutions percolate through aluminum-rich rocks.
Origin
United States, Iran, China, Egypt
Uses
Best for: Jewellery, displays, and design accents.
Ideal uses: Versatile collections and polished showcases.
Care
Avoid chemicals, heat, and prolonged exposure to water. Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Turquoise FAQ
How can I identify Turquoise?
Compare hardness (6 Mohs), crystal system (Triclinic), colour profile, and lustre (waxy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Turquoise appear in?
Turquoise is classified within the blues & cyans palette. Primary colour: blue. Secondary colour: cyan / blue-green.
Where is Turquoise commonly used?
Versatile collections and polished showcases.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
Reference data from GIA and Mindat mineral records.