Turquoise and Aquamarine (Composite Earrings)
Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate and Beryl var. Aquamarine · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Triclinic (Turquoise) and Hexagonal (Aquamarine)
Mineral Group
Phosphates (Turquoise) and Silicates - Cyclosilicates (Aquamarine)
Chemical Formula
CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O and Be3Al2Si6O18
Formation Process
Supergene weathering and oxidation in arid environments (Turquoise); Pegmatitic and hydrothermal veins (Aquamarine)
About This Crystal
The earrings feature tumbled chip beads of bright robin's-egg blue turquoise with dark matrix webbing, paired with pale ice-blue translucent aquamarine chips, separated by a sparkling rondelle spacer bead.
Physical Characteristics
Turquoise: Blue to green-blue color, white streak, waxy to subvitreous luster, specific gravity 2.60-2.90. Aquamarine: Pale blue to light greenish-blue, white streak, vitreous luster, specific gravity 2.68-2.74, conchoidal fracture.
Optical Properties
Turquoise is biaxial positive with low birefringence. Aquamarine is uniaxial negative, doubly refractive with weak pleochroism in shades of blue and greenish-blue.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Southwestern USA, China, and Iran (Turquoise); Brazil, Madagascar, and Pakistan (Aquamarine)
Hardness & Durability
Turquoise: Mohs hardness 5-6, fragile, porous. Aquamarine: Mohs hardness 7.5-8, good toughness, durable for daily wear.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water using a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or body oils for the porous turquoise.
Rarity & Value
Common to moderately rare depending on grade and origin. Natural high-grade turquoise is increasingly valuable, while stabilized stones and aquamarine chips are widely accessible and affordable.
Special Characteristics
Turquoise often displays characteristic dark limonite or sandstone matrix webbing. Aquamarine exhibits high clarity and light transmission in chip form.
Lore & History
Turquoise has been prized for millennia by ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and Persians as a protective talisman of good fortune and healing. Aquamarine has historically been known as the sailor's stone, symbolizing tranquility, clarity, and courage.