Genuine natural tumbled blue color Turquoise silver pendant with matrix from Sleeping Beauty Mine, Arizona, USA.
Chemically, turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. Departure from a nice blue color is caused by small amounts of iron substituting for aluminum in the turquoise structure. The color of turquoise might also be altered by small amounts of iron or zinc substituting for copper in the turquoise structure.
Very few minerals have a color that is so well known, so characteristic, and so impressive that the name of the mineral becomes so commonly used. Only three other minerals - gold, silver, and copper - have a color that is used more often in common language than turquoise.
The name Turquoise dates to 16th century and derived from Old French word for "Turkish", because it entered Western Europe through Asia Minor
People everywhere have cherished turquoise, whether used as a decorative or protective amulet. The blue stone with the cheeriness of the sunny sky has always been foremost a symbol of hope.
Location: Sleeping Beauty Mine, Arizona, USA
Size: 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.7 Centimeters with bail
Weight: 5.35 Grams Combined