turquoise

  • Turquoise of Tonapah, Nevada

    A gift of the Otteson family of Tonapah, Nevada, this group of Turquoise specimens along with some Dolomite are from their family claims near Tonapah, Nye County, Nevada.

    Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years by cultures around the world. It was one of the first gemstones to be mined. It has been mined and used in Egypt for at least 5,000 years, and in Iran for over 2,000 years.

    Turquoise is the State Gem of Arizona.

    Mineral Properties:

    • Formula: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
    • Color: green, blue, “turquoise”
    • Luster: waxy
    • Crystal System: Triclinic
    • Hardness: 5-6

     

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