Characteristics of Turquoise:

Chemical Name: Copper aluminum phosphate

Formula:

Colors: Blue, green

Structure: Triclinic

Hardness: 5-6

Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.9

Refractive Index: 1.61-1.65

Lustre: Waxy

Streak: White-green

Locations: Iran, China, USA, Mexico, Chile, Africa, Australia, Siberia, England, Belgium, France, Porland

What is Turquoise? 

Beads made from turquoise dating back to 5000 BCE have been found in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), making it one of the first gems to be mined and cut. it is relatively soft and easy to work and can be polished, made into beads, carved, and used for cameos. For most gem uses, however, Turquoise is cut en cabochon. It varies in color from sky-blue to green, depending on the amount of iron and copper it contains. Turquoise is porous and its color may deteriorate if worn frequently close to skin.

Turquoise from Nishapur, Iran (formerly Persia) is considered by many to be the finest quality and has been mined for centuries. This Turquoise, usually referred to as “Persian”, tends to be harder and of a more even color than North American Turquoise, and it is always sky-blue, never green. Turquoise has embellished thrones, sword hilts, horse trapping, daggers, bowls, cups, and other ornaments over the centuries, as well as being used extensively in jewelry.

Turquoise first came to Europe via Turkey, probably accounting for its name, which is French for “Turkish”.