Turquoise

:This article is about the gem. For the colour, see turquoise (color) and cyan.

Related Topics:
Turquoise (color) - Cyan

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Turquoise (or turquois) is opaque, blue-to-green hydrated copper aluminium phosphate mineral according to the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·5H2O. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been enjoyed as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times turquoise—like most other opaque gems—has had its popularity undermined by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the market, some difficult to detect even by experts.

Related Topics:
Hydrated - Copper - Aluminium - Phosphate - Mineral - Chemical formula - Gem - Synthetic

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The word turquoise is very old and likely is derived from the French pierre turquoise, meaning Turkish stone. This is thought to have arisen from a misconception: turquoise does not occur in Turkey but was traded there, and the gem became associated with the country in the West.

Related Topics:
French - Turkey

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