Class: Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
Group: Turquoise
A secondary mineral occurring in hydrothermal porphyry copper deposits (
Anthony et al., 2001—2005). One of the oldest gemstones; used by Ancient Egypt rulers.
Original description: unknown [prehistoric].
Type locality: unknown [prehistoric].
Type material: unknown.
Etymology: named in antiquity from French ‘turquoise’ meaning ‘Turkish’.
Distribution: Belgium; Brazil; Chile; China; Congo: Katanga Province; Iran; USA: Arizona (
Anthony et al., 2001—2005).
Chemistry
Cu(Al,Fe3+)6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O
Essential elements: hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), aluminium (Al), phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), copper (Cu).
Crystal data
Crystallography: triclinic — pinacoidal.
Crystal habit: rare pinacoidal crystals, {010}, {110}, {001}, to 3 mm; fine granular to cryptocrystalline, crusts, veinlets, massive (
Anthony et al., 2001—2005).
Material from ‘Repository’