Turquoise
Real mineral · uncommon · CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
A hydrated copper aluminium phosphate formed in arid regions where copper-bearing groundwater interacts with aluminium-rich rocks. Its colour ranges from sky blue to green depending on iron content.
Identity
- Formula
- CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
- Chemical class
- phosphate
- Also known as
- Turkish stone (archaic), Callais (archaic)
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Habits
- massive, nodular, earthy
- Fracture
- conchoidal
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 2.7 g/cm³
- Luster
- waxy, dull
- Colors
- sky blue, blue-green, green, pale blue
- Streak
- white
- Transparency
- opaque, translucent
Geology
- Origins
- sedimentary, hydrothermal
- Host rocks
- limestone, sandstone, porphyry
- Associated minerals
- Chalcopyrite, Quartz, limonite
- Geography
- Iran, USA (Arizona, Nevada), Egypt, China, Mexico
Classification
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Gem quality
- Yes
Arcane properties
- Affinity
- air, water
- Effects
- warding, mind
- Planar origin
- Material Plane
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