Turquoise

“The sky stone”

Mineral

Turquoise is a hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate mineral treasured for its striking blue-to-green color. One of the first gemstones ever mined, it has been used in jewelry and ceremonial objects by cultures across the globe for over 7,000 years.

Composition

copper aluminum phosphate (CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O)

Where Found

Iran (Nishapur), Arizona and New Mexico (USA), Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), Tibet

Mohs Hardness

5-6

Fun Fact

The word 'turquoise' comes from the French 'pierre turquoise,' meaning 'Turkish stone,' because it was first brought to Europe via Turkish trade routes.