Turquoise – One of the Oldest Known and Earliest Mined Gemstones

This copper-based mineral with blue-green hues has adorned everything from ancient Egyptian jewelry to Native American artifacts. No two pieces are ever identical, with each turquoise displaying a unique mix of veining, matrix patterns, and depth of color.

Most high-quality turquoise comes from arid regions with copper-rich deposits, forming in veins and nodules over millions of years. Some of the most sought-after varieties come from the American Southwest, Iran, and China. Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico also produce stones with deep blues, vibrant greens, and intricate webbing.

Turquoise Properties:

• Color: Ranges from sky blue to greenish-blue
• Luster: Waxy to dull, depending on the stone’s density
• Density: 2.6–2.9 g/cm³
• Transparency: Typically opaque, though rare translucent specimens exist
• Hardness: Mohs 5–6
• Cleavage: None, but it fractures conchoidally
• Chemical Classification: Phosphate

Did You Know? Ancient civilizations mined turquoise over 5,000 years ago. Egyptians extracted it from the Sinai Peninsula, while Persians sourced it from Iran. Some of the world’s oldest known jewelry has turquoise inlays, including pieces from King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Artisans dating back centuries love turquoise for its eye-catching colors and versatility. Nowadays, we get plenty of requests to restock stones with clean, even coloring, though plenty of buyers also seek specimens with matrix patterns for added character. Many of our customers are also lapidary artists who shape turquoise into cabochons, beads, and inlays, often stabilizing softer material to improve durability.

Gallery TCR carries a carefully selected range of turquoise, including rough specimens, cut stones, and collector-grade pieces. Sourced only from top mining locations worldwide, our turquoise for sale are some of the best in market. Browse our collection to find one that suits your vision, whether for jewelry, lapidary work, or display.