2.Turquoise Characteristics

{1}Turquoise Physical Characteristics

Ⅰ.Color is of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades;

Ⅱ.Luster is dull to waxy, vitreous in macro-crystals;

Ⅲ.Transparency specimens are opaque;

Ⅳ.Crystal System is triclinic; bar 1;

Ⅴ.Crystal Habits include crystals rarely large enough to see, usually massive, cryptocrystalline forms as nodules and veinlets;

Ⅵ.Cleavage is perfect in two direction, but is not often seen;

Ⅶ.Fracture is conchoidal and smooth;

Ⅷ.Hardness is 5 – 6;

Ⅸ.Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6 - 2.8 (average);

Ⅹ.Streak is white with a greenish tint.

{2} Turquoise Chemical Formula:

Turquoise is hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate -- CuAl6(PO 4)4(OH)8 4H2O.