The name comes from a french word which means stone of Turkey, from where Persian material passed on its way to Europe. Color is of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades. Luster is dull to waxy, vitreous in macro-crystals. Transparency specimens are opaque. Cleavage is perfect in two direction, but is not often seen.
Fracture is conchoidal and smooth.
Streak is white with a greenish tint. Associated Minerals are pyrite . Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, luster, color and associations.