Where is Turquoise found?
Turquoise (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 and currently a major source of high-quality turquoise. Famous mines include Sleeping Beauty (Arizona), Kingman (Arizona), Morenci (Arizona), Lone Mountain (Nevada), and Cerrillos (New Mexico). These deposits are typically associated with porphyry copper systems.
Iran (Persia)
The Nishapur district in northeastern Iran has been a source of fine-quality 'Persian blue' turquoise for millennia. These deposits are found in altered trachyte and andesite volcanic rocks.
Egypt (Sinai Peninsula)
Ancient turquoise mines, particularly in the Serabit el-Khadim and Wadi Maghara regions, were exploited by the Egyptians as early as 3000 BCE. These deposits are found in sandstone.
China (Hubei province)
A significant producer of turquoise, particularly from the Ma'ashan and Yunxian mines. The turquoise here is often found in altered sedimentary rocks.
Mexico
Various deposits, particularly in the states of Sonora and Zacatecas, producing a range of blue and green turquoise.
Afghanistan
Known for producing turquoise, often with a greenish hue.
Australia
Some deposits exist, though generally not as commercially significant as other regions.
Collecting tips
- Look for Arid Environments. Turquoise forms in dry, desert-like conditions. Focus your search in regions with a history of copper mineralization and arid climates.
- Identify Host Rocks. Search in areas with altered volcanic rocks (e.g., porphyry copper deposits) or sedimentary rocks (sandstones, shales) that show signs of hydrothermal alteration and copper staining (malachite, azurite).
- Examine Veinlets and Nodules. Turquoise typically occurs as thin veinlets filling fractures, or as small nodules and concretions within the host rock. Look for these characteristic forms.
- Observe Color and Luster. The distinctive blue-to-green color and waxy luster are key identifiers. Freshly broken surfaces may reveal the true color more accurately.
- Check for Matrix. Many turquoise specimens are found with a matrix of the host rock (often brown limonite or black chert). This 'spiderweb' matrix can be a good indicator.
- Test Hardness (Carefully). Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5-6. It can be scratched by a steel file but will scratch glass. Be cautious not to damage valuable specimens.
- Distinguish from Look-alikes. Be aware of minerals like chrysocolla, variscite, and dyed howlite/magnesite. Turquoise is generally more opaque and has a distinct waxy luster compared to the often more vitreous chrysocolla or chalky howlite.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Sky-blue to apple-green
- Luster:
- Waxy to subvitreous
- Streak:
- White to pale bluish-green
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