Royston Turquoise is a highly sought-after variety from the Royston mining district in Nevada, prized for its distinctive blue-to-green coloration and complex, often dark brown web-like matrix. It typically occurs in massive, opaque forms and is widely used in high-end lapidary work for its unique natural aesthetics. Collectors favor specimens that showcase a balanced contrast between the vibrant turquoise mineral and the intricate host rock inclusions.
Is this royston turquoise?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch royston turquoise with a known reference. Royston Turquoise sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Royston Turquoise leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Royston Turquoise typically shows a waxy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, green, brown, tan.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Royston Turquoise vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Royston Turquoise is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 2-4); luster reads waxy on Royston Turquoise and vitreous on Chrysocolla.
How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Royston Turquoise and vitreous on Smithsonite.
Often found alongside royston turquoise
Minerals reported to co-occur with royston turquoise. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.6-2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Gemstone, Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $10-100 per cabochon depending on matrix and color intensity
Where rockhounds find royston turquoise
Classic worldwide localities
- Royston mining district, Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alteration zones in volcanic rocks country, the host setting where royston turquoise typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, limonite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find royston turquoise on the map
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