Chemically (CuA16(PO4)8 4 H2O)
Turquoise is a hydrated copper and Aluminum phosfhate.
How Turquoise is formed
First there are several ingrediants that have to be in place for turquoise to form.
The first being copper in the host rock,and then phosphorus Co asociated with the copper,this is usually
found with Apitite and then there must be feldspar to pull the aluminum from.Deep hydrothermal
alteration happens which frees the aluminum from the feldspars and the phosphoric acid
leaches the phosphorus from the the Apitite. The copper in the host rock which was introduced into
it usually by the hot magma comming from below.The right combination of all of these things comming
together forms the Turquoise.The more the silicification from the hydrthermal and intrusive
alteration the harder the turquoise becomes.
Copyright 2010 James Saunders
