Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is quite rare and valuable in finer grades. It had been prized as an ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue.

In recent times, turquoise along with most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations and synthetics flooding the market.

The name turquoise is derived from an old French word meaning “Turkish”. This mineral was first brought to Europe from Turkey – from the mines in Iran.

Even the finest turquoise can fracture. Its mineral hardness is under 6. Turquoise almost never forms single crystals and has highly variable properties. It is cryptocrystalline in nature.

Turquoise has a luster varying from waxy to sub vitreous. It is usually opaque, but thin sections may be semi translucent. Color ranges from white through a powder blue to a sky blue, and from a blue-green to a yellowish green.

Under long wave U V light, turquoise may fluoresce green, yellow or bright blue; shortwave ultraviolet and X rays do not effect it. Turquoise can take on a smooth polish.

Turquoise is soluble only in heated hydrochloric acid. It has a pale bluish white streaks and its fracture is conchoidal with a waxy luster. Turquoise may have flecks of pyrite or dark spidery veining of limonite

Turquoise costs according to its size in millimetres rather than its weight. Light waxing or oiling may improve the color and luster but untreated turquoise commands a higher price than bonded ones.

Turquoise is fragile and sensitive to solvents. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may discolor or dehydrate turquoise. After every use, turquoise should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth and stored in its box.