Where is Turquoise found?
Turquoise (hydrated copper aluminum phosphate)
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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, California)
Historically significant and currently active mining regions, particularly Arizona (e.g., Sleeping Beauty, Kingman, Morenci mines) and Nevada (e.g., Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, Carico Lake mines). These deposits are typically associated with porphyry copper mineralization.
Iran (Persia)
Nishapur region, known for producing some of the finest 'Persian Blue' turquoise for millennia. These deposits are found in altered trachyte and andesite.
Egypt (Sinai Peninsula)
Ancient mines at Serabit el-Khadim and Wadi Maghara, exploited for over 6,000 years. Deposits occur in sandstone.
China (Hubei province)
Significant producer of turquoise, often with a greener hue. Deposits are found in altered sedimentary rocks.
Mexico (Sonora)
Various deposits, often associated with copper mineralization.
Chile
Deposits found in association with large copper porphyry systems.
Australia (Victoria, Queensland)
Smaller deposits, often with a greener color.
Collecting tips
- Look for Copper Deposits. Turquoise is a secondary copper mineral, so search in areas known for copper mineralization, especially in arid or semi-arid environments. Look for signs of oxidized copper minerals like malachite (green) and azurite (blue).
- Examine Altered Rocks. Focus on areas with highly altered igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks, particularly those with evidence of hydrothermal activity. Turquoise often forms in veins, seams, and nodules within limonite, sandstone, or shale.
- Check Fractures and Cavities. Turquoise typically precipitates in open spaces. Inspect fractures, fissures, and vugs within the host rock for blue to green mineral coatings or fillings.
- Observe Color and Luster. The distinctive sky-blue to greenish-blue color and waxy to subvitreous luster are key indicators. Be aware that other minerals can have similar colors, so further tests may be needed.
- Test Hardness. 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 or harder look-alikes.
- Consider Associated Minerals. Turquoise is often found with limonite (iron oxides), quartz, chalcedony, kaolinite, and other secondary copper minerals like chrysocolla, malachite, and azurite.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Sky-blue to greenish-blue
- Luster:
- Waxy to subvitreous
- Streak:
- White to pale bluish-green
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