Where is Turquoise found?
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
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Open the appTurquoise occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Turquoise
Southwestern United States (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado)
Historically significant and currently productive regions, particularly Arizona (Sleeping Beauty, Kingman mines) and Nevada (Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, Carico Lake mines). These deposits are typically found in porphyry copper deposits or associated with weathered granitic rocks.
Iran (Persia)
Nishapur region, known for producing some of the finest 'Persian blue' turquoise, often found in weathered trachyte and porphyry.
China (Hubei province)
Significant producer of turquoise, often with a greener hue, found in altered sedimentary rocks.
Egypt (Sinai Peninsula)
Ancient mines at Serabit el-Khadim and Wadi Maghareh, where turquoise occurs in sandstone.
Mexico
Various deposits, often associated with copper mineralization.
Collecting tips
- Geological Setting. Look for turquoise in arid or semi-arid regions, particularly in areas with past or present copper mining activity. It forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.
- Host Rocks. Search in highly altered and weathered igneous rocks (e.g., porphyries, rhyolites) or sedimentary rocks (e.g., sandstones, shales) that are rich in aluminum and phosphorus.
- Associated Minerals. Turquoise is often found with limonite (iron oxides), kaolinite, chalcedony, quartz, and other secondary copper minerals.
- Veins and Nodules. It typically occurs as vein fillings, crusts, or irregular nodules within the host rock. Look for blue-green streaks or masses in rock fractures.
- Hardness Test. Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5-6. It can be scratched by a steel file but will scratch glass. This helps differentiate it from softer imitations.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Blue to green
- Luster:
- Waxy to dull
- Streak:
- White to pale bluish-green
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