Category:Turquoise

Tur*quoise", tur*quois", n. Etym: [f. turquoise; cf. Pr. & sp. Turquesa, it. turchese, turchina, ll. turchesius, turchina; -- so Called because first brought from turkey. See 1st turkey.] (min.)

Defn: a hydrous phosphate of alumina containing a little copper; Calaite. It has a blue, or bluish green, color, and usually occurs in Reniform masses with a botryoidal surface. [formerly written also Turcois, and turkois.]

Note: turquoise is susceptible of a high polish, and when of a bright Blue color is much esteemed as a gem. The finest specimens come from Persia. It is also found in new mexico and arizona, and is regarded As identical with the chalchihuitl of the mexicans.

Turquoise Tur*quoise", a.

Defn: having a fine light blue color, like that of choice mineral Turquoise.