What is "turquoise"?

Turquoise is a blue to greenish-blue mineral that is commonly used as a gemstone in jewelry making. The color of turquoise can vary from a pale sky blue to a more vivid greenish-blue depending on the presence of certain minerals. It is typically opaque, with a waxy or dull luster and a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Turquoise has been prized for its beauty and spiritual significance by various cultures for thousands of years. It is believed to have healing properties and to protect the wearer from harm. In addition to being used in jewelry, turquoise has also been used in sculpture, architecture, and as a pigment for painting.