turquoise

American  

[tur-koiz, -kwoiz] / ˈtɜr kɔɪz, -kwɔɪz /

noun

1. Also turquois. an opaque mineral, a basic hydrous copper aluminum phosphate often containing a small amount of iron, sky-blue or greenish-blue in color, cut cabochon as a gem.

2. Also called turquoise blue.  a greenish blue or bluish green.

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turquoise British  

/ -kwɑːz, ˈtɜːkwɔɪz /

noun

1. a greenish-blue fine-grained secondary mineral consisting of hydrated copper aluminium phosphate. It occurs in igneous rocks rich in aluminium and is used as a gemstone. Formula: CuAl 6 (PO 4 ) 4 (OH) 8 .4H 2 O

2. 1. the colour of turquoise

   2. ( as adjective )

      a turquoise dress

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turquoise Scientific  

/ tûr′kwoiz′,-koiz′ /

1. A blue to bluish-green or yellowish-green triclinic mineral that occurs in reniform (kidney-shaped) masses with surfaces shaped like a bunch of grapes, especially in aluminum-rich igneous rocks such as trachyte. In its polished blue form it is prized as a gem. Chemical formula: CuAl ₆ (PO ₄ ) ₄ (OH) ₈ ·5H ₂ O

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Usage

What does turquoise mean? Turquoise is an opaque sky-blue or greenish-blue mineral commonly used as a gemstone. It can also be yellowish-green, but it’s best known for its greenish-blue variety.It’s also sometimes spelled turquois, but this is much less common.Turquoise is categorized as a semiprecious stone, which is a classification used for stones considered to have a lower value than those deemed precious. Turquoise that is more blue than green is often more valuable.Turquoise is commonly used in jewelry, though some pieces sold as turquoise may be artificial or only turquoise-colored. Turquoise used in jewelry is often cut in the form of a cabochon, an oval shape that’s polished but not faceted. In the U.S., turquoise jewelry is especially associated with Native American artisans, particularly from tribes primarily based in the Southwest, such as the Hopi and Navajo.Turquoise is one of the birthstones for the month of December. It is associated with the zodiac signs Sagitarrius and Capricorn.The word turquoise is also commonly used as the name of a teal or sky-blue color (like the color of the stone).Example: The Caribbean Sea is known for its turquoise-blue waters.

Etymology

Origin of turquoise

1350–1400; < French: Turkish (stone), equivalent to Turc Turk + -oise, feminine of -ois -ese; replacing Middle English turkeis < Middle French

Compare meaning

How does turquoise compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• teal vs. turquoise

Example Sentences

She glances between our faces, then busies herself refilling the napkin holders on the counter, bracelets of silver and turquoise clinking against the metal.

From Literature

It is a popular tourist destination for Iranians thanks to its rare UNESCO-listed rock formations, turquoise waters, mangroves and relaxed atmosphere.

From Barron's

To do this, they used the African turquoise killifish, a species with a lifespan of just four to eight months.

From Science Daily

Anna May strode into the service area, sporting a turquoise linen blouse with wide-cut sleeves and a close-fitting hat with an arching brim.

From Literature

Just over a three-hour drive south, skirting the Rhine until you hit the Swiss border, heading into an Alpine gateway towards the turquoise waters of Lake Thun, footballing folklore is being scribed.

From BBC

Related Words

• aquamarine