Turquoise

Turquoise, a vivid blue stone, is one of the oldest known gemstones.

Chemical Formula: H₁₆Al₆CuO₂₈P₄

Other names: Copper hexaaluminium tetrakis(phosphate(V)) octahydroxide tetrahydrate

Layman's explanation: The name turquoise comes from a French word for the country Turkey, which is where it was first believed to be found. In fact, it was actually first discovered before 4000 BC in Persia. Although sources of turquoise are in abundance in Iran, it can also be found in other countries such as the US, Afghanistan, and Egypt. Turquoise has been used in art and jewelry by Egyptians since 3500 BC. It was also very popular for jewelry amongst Native Americans and Indian tribes in Mexico. Turquoise is still used in rings given as forget-me-nots in Europe today.

Keywords: blue, gemstone

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