> Turquoise is a blue-green copper-aluminium phosphate, soft (5 to 6 on the Mohs scale), which tradition links to protection and luck. Porous and often treat

*Source : https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/turquoise-benefits/*

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● Guide

# Turquoise: virtues, protection and meaning

Published on **25/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel**

In brief

**Turquoise is a blue-green copper-aluminium phosphate, soft (5 to 6 on the Mohs scale), which tradition links to protection and luck.** Porous and often treated, it calls for care when buying. Here's what it is and how to choose it.

## What turquoise is

Turquoise is a **copper-aluminium phosphate**, sky-blue to blue-green, often crossed by fine brown veins (the "matrix"). It is **soft and porous** (hardness 5 to 6), so sensitive to water, oils and cosmetics, which can turn it green. Many turquoises are **stabilised** (resin-impregnated) to harden them — acceptable if disclosed.

## Meaning & virtues in tradition

In crystal tradition, turquoise is a stone of **protection** and luck, worn for millennia by many cultures. **These virtues are traditions and beliefs: they are not scientifically demonstrated and replace no medical advice** (see sources).

## How to wear and choose it

Porous, turquoise is best kept for **protected wear** (pendant, low-exposure ring) and away from water, perfume and creams. Beware: cheap, bright-blue "turquoise" is very often **dyed howlite** (see our [howlite article](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/howlite-benefits/)). See also our [natural stone jewellery guide](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/natural-stone-jewellery-guide/).

## Care

A dry or barely damp soft cloth, no soaking, chemicals or ultrasonics. Remove it before showering, the pool and applying cosmetics.

## Sources & references

-   **French National Museum of Natural History** ([mnhn.fr](https://www.mnhn.fr)): phosphate mineralogy.
-   **Mohs scale**: hardness (turquoise ≈ 5-6).
-   **DGCCRF** ([economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf](https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf)): health claims and fair information (dyed howlite sold as turquoise).

## Frequently asked questions

What are the virtues of turquoise?

Tradition links it to protection and luck. These virtues are beliefs, with no scientifically demonstrated effect, and replace no medical advice.

How do I recognise genuine turquoise?

Real turquoise often shows a matrix (fine brown veins) and a nuanced blue-green. A bright, uniform, cheap "turquoise" is very frequently dyed howlite or reconstituted turquoise.

Can I wear turquoise in the shower?

No: soft and porous, it dislikes water, soap, perfume and cosmetics, which can turn it green. Remove it before showering, the pool and applying creams.

## Read also

[

Guide

Amazonite: virtues, calm and communication

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Guide

Amethyst: virtues, meaning and how to wear it

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Guide

Aquamarine: virtues, serenity and meaning

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