# Turquoise

> Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate in blue to green, prized since antiquity; it is porous and soft (5-6) and is usually stabilized.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/turquoise/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-10
- Updated: 2026-08-10
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/turquesa/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Turquoise is one of the oldest gems in jewelry. Its color, between sky blue and blue-green, is linked in many cultures with protection, sky and water.

## Properties

- **Composition:** hydrated copper aluminum phosphate; copper gives the blue and iron the green.
- **Hardness:** between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale.
- **Look:** sky blue to green, sometimes with a matrix (dark veins) of the host rock.
- **Origins:** Iran, the US Southwest, China, Egypt (Sinai) and Mexico.
- **Treatments:** usually stabilized with resin because it is porous; imitations exist.

## Uses in jewelry

- Navajo, Zuni and Hopi jewelry (see [Southwest US silverwork](https://www.711grados.com/en/navajo-zuni-hopi-silverwork/)).
- Rings, pendants and earrings, usually as cabochons.
- December jewelry (birthstone).

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- A unique, symbolic color.
- Pairs very well with silver.
- Affordable.

### Limitations

- It is soft and porous: it absorbs oils and cosmetics.
- It can change color over time.
- Many imitations exist.

## Care and cleaning

- Avoid perfume, lotion, prolonged water and cleaning products.
- Clean only with a soft dry or barely damp cloth.
- Never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner.

## See also

- [Navajo, Zuni and Hopi silverwork](https://www.711grados.com/en/navajo-zuni-hopi-silverwork/)
- [How to clean jewelry with gemstones](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-clean-gemstone-jewelry/)
- [Birthstones by month](https://www.711grados.com/en/birthstones-by-month/)