1.3" Natural Polished Teal Turquoise Gemstone Mineral Specimen Cab

Location: Western Asia

Weight: 11.6 Grams

Dimensions: 1.3 Inches Long, 0.7 Inches Wide, 0.5 Inches Thick 

The item pictured is one you will receive.

Overview of Turquoise

Turquoise is a captivating opaque mineral known for its vibrant blue-to-green coloration. Chemically, it is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum with the formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. This unique composition gives Turquoise its signature hues, ranging from sky blue to green, making it one of the most sought-after gemstones in history.

Highly valued for thousands of years, Turquoise is prized not only for its rarity but also for its use in jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects. Its distinctive color and smooth texture make it a popular choice for rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other ornamental designs, while collectors and crystal enthusiasts cherish it for its aesthetic and historical significance.

Historical Significance

Turquoise, a stunning opaque mineral with blue-to-green hues, has captivated humans for thousands of years. Its chemical composition, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O, makes it a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, giving the gemstone its distinctive color and appeal.

The term “turquoise” comes from the Old French word “turquois,” meaning “Turkish,” as the mineral was first brought to Europe through the Ottoman Empire. Known since antiquity, Turquoise was referred to as “callais” by Pliny the Elder and as “chalchihuitl” by the Aztecs, reflecting its cultural and spiritual significance across civilizations.

Prized for its rarity, vibrant color, and historical importance, Turquoise remains a popular choice for jewelry, carvings, and decorative objects, cherished by collectors and crystal enthusiasts worldwide.

Properties of Turquoise

Turquoise possesses several notable physical properties:

• Color Variability: The color can range from white to powder blue, sky blue, blue-green, and even yellowish green. The blue coloration is primarily due to copper content, while iron impurities can lead to green hues.
• Hardness: On the Mohs scale, turquoise has a hardness of just under 6, which makes it softer than many other gemstones but still capable of taking a good polish.
• Luster and Transparency: It typically exhibits a waxy to subvitreous luster and is usually opaque, although some thin sections may be semitranslucent.
• Crystal Structure: Turquoise is classified as a cryptocrystalline mineral with a triclinic crystal system. It rarely forms single crystals; instead, it often appears in nodular or botryoidal forms.

Formation Process

The formation of turquoise deposits involves several geological processes:

1. Hydrothermal Activity: Initially, hydrothermal fluids leach copper from host rocks—typically calc-alkaline intrusions rich in silica.
2. Copper Deposition: The leached copper is redeposited in concentrated forms within fractures and joints in the rock.
3. Meteoric Water Interaction: As meteoric water (from rain or snowmelt) infiltrates these deposits, it oxidizes the copper minerals present, leading to the formation of turquoise as a secondary mineral.

This process indicates that turquoise does not occur in its original form within copper porphyry but rather develops later through environmental interactions.

Market Value and Treatments

Turquoise’s value can vary significantly based on quality factors such as color saturation, matrix presence (the veining or patterning), and origin. High-quality turquoise from regions like Western Asia is particularly prized for its vibrant robin egg blue color. However, market dynamics have changed due to treatments (such as dyeing), imitations (synthetic versions), and enhancements that can affect its perceived value.

In summary, turquoise remains a gemstone of great beauty and historical significance with unique properties that contribute to its desirability in jewelry and decorative arts.