Turquoise is a variety of copper aluminium phosphate. It is recognized for its distinctive color, which can range from blue-green to blue-green. Turquoise stone has been used since ancient times for jewellery and decorative objects.
Here are some characteristics of turquoise as a semi-precious stone:
1. Colour: Turquoise can range in colour from light blue to dark green. Its colour can be uniform or have interesting patterns and textures.
2. Hardness: Turquoise has a moderate hardness of around 5-6 on the Mohs scale. This means that it is fairly scratch resistant, but not as hard as diamond or sapphire.
3. Places of Origin: Turquoise stone can be found in various locations around the world, including the United States, Iran, China, Mexico, and Egypt.
4. Cultural significance: Turquoise has had different cultural and spiritual meanings in various civilizations throughout history. It has often been considered a protective stone, bringing good luck and protection against negative energies.