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

With its lush landscape, distinctive "dragon blood" trees, unique animals and turquoise waters, Yemen's Socotra archipelago has been a magnet for adventurous travellers for years.

From Barron's

Remarkably, the original tapestry contains just seven colours - light and dark blue, light and dark green, a dark turquoise, a red and a yellow.

From BBC

The medicated wipes, cream and spray have swirling, ’70s-style graphics and a retro color palette of orange, mustard yellow and turquoise.

From The Wall Street Journal

Romy at times posted videos talking and joking with her father on social media, and in late November shared photos of a trip where they stood side-by-side in turquoise water.

From The Wall Street Journal

In August, the Los Angeles institution introduced one of its newer acquisitions—a turquoise Chinese-and-French porcelain cat—to TikTok with an International Cat Day post.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• aquamarine