CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Turquoise
The French pierre turquoise meant stone that came through Turkey, not a mine in Anatolia.
- Formula
- CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5–6
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Colour
- blue, green
- Element
- water
- Chakra (tradition)
- throat
- Zodiac
- Sagittarius, Capricorn, Pisces
- Month
- December
- Where the earth keeps it
- Iran, United States, Mexico
What it actually is
Turquoise is CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O before it is a story. The lattice is triclinic, Mohs 5–6, and the eye meets blue, green.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Iran, United States, Mexico. The French pierre turquoise meant stone that came through Turkey, not a mine in Anatolia.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Turquoise to water and to the throat centre. The old site stood it near: Sagittarius, Capricorn, Pisces. Old tables sit it beside December.
How not to turn it to ash
Pores drink oil, soap and sweat. Turquoise, opal and howlite dislike hot water and ultrasonic cleaners. Opal also dislikes drying out.