Turquoise

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Physical & Optical Properties

Mohs Hardness 5.0 – 6.0
Specific Gravity 2.3 – 2.9
Refractive Index 1.61 – 1.65
Crystal System Triclinic
Luster Waxy,Dull (Earthy)
Cleavage None
Color blue
Birefringence 0.04
Pleochroism Absent

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 5.0 – 6.0
1 Soft10 Hard

Crystal System

a b c Triclinic a ≠ b ≠ c, α ≠ β ≠ γ ≠ 90°

Value & Market

Price Tier Budget (< $50/ct)

Cultural Significance

Birthstone Month 12 (alternative)

Treatments

Commonly impregnated with wax to enchance color or plastic to increase durability: SG on low side, hot pont test, scratch test. May be dyed: color concentration along fractures. Acetone may reveal the dye if not coated. Zachery treatment tests limited. Porosity reduced: doesn't absorb liquids unlike most untreated natural stones, doesn't "discolor" in water. High quality polish. Even (strong) coloration, color concentration diffused along fractures - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 5 Synthetic magnification: granular structure - "fish-eggs", "cream-of-wheat". May show black "spiderweb matrix" (rounded pattern). Strong transmitted light: usually translucent - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 5 5 to 6Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references 2.30 to 2.90Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) 1.610 to 1.650Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Biaxial/+Ulrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references 0.040Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references AbsentWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) NoneWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) Light blue, bluish-green, green, greenish-blueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) Commonly with brownish or black veinsMore from other references No reactionHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Blue, Cu2+ in octahedral coordinationW. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011) Translucent,OpaqueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Strong transmitted light: appears opaque to semi-translucentMore from other references Waxy,Dull (Earthy)Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009) Weak; green-yellow, light blueWalter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001) More from other references Inert to moderate whitish blueHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) TriclinicHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references Fine-grained, massive aggregate, partly as nodules or botryoidal groupsUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references May contain inclusions of pyrite, calcite, etc - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 5 Turquoise information at mindat.org China&nbsp; Liu (1999) Kenya&nbsp; Mexico&nbsp; Sinkankas (1997) USA&nbsp; Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Nevada, Lithographie, 2013, p. 53 Nevada, Lithographie LTD, 2013 Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997) Sinkankas (1997)

About Turquoise

Turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate mineral prized for its iconic sky-blue to blue-green color and waxy luster, one of the oldest known gemstones with a history of use stretching back 6,000 years in ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Americas. The finest Persian turquoise, from the Nishapur mines in Iran, displays an intense robin's-egg blue without matrix or veining, while American turquoise from the American Southwest is treasured for its blue-green tones and natural matrix patterns. December's birthstone, turquoise remains one of the world's most recognizable and culturally significant gems.

Jewelry Use

Durability 4/10

Science FYI Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate mineral prized for its iconic sky-blue to blue-green color and waxy luster, one of the oldest known gemstones with a history of use stretching back 6,000 years in ancient Egypt, Persia, and the Americas. The finest Persian turquoise, from the Nishapu
What is the hardness of Turquoise?
Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 6.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Turquoise?
Turquoise is primarily Blue.
How much does Turquoise cost?
Turquoise falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
Is Turquoise a birthstone?
Yes, Turquoise is the December birthstone (alternative).

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