Turquoise Beads

Turquoise is hydrated copper aluminum phosphate. On Mohs scale of hardness, 1 (Talc) to 10 (Diamond), turquoise has a hardness of 5-6. Since ancient times, turquoise, in shades of green to blue have been mined in Asia, in Central Asia, the Middle East and in the USA. Color preferences vary form culture to culture. In Iran unveined blue is considered best while in the American Southwest a less pure stone may be preferred.