THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Turquoise
An opaque copper-bearing phosphate gemstone.
Colors & patterns
Sky blue to green, often with brown or black matrix patterns.
Typical origins
Sources include the southwestern United States, Iran and China.
Hardness
5–6 on the Mohs scale.
Choosing & setting this material
Stabilization, dyeing and reconstructed products are common considerations. Ask about treatment and identity; porosity makes oils, cosmetics and cleaners a concern.
Care & cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Avoid soaking, acids, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Store separately to protect the surface.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments