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

Explanation

If your favorite color is turquoise, it means that you're partial to a particular bluish-green shade. The color known as turquoise comes from the semi-precious gem of the same name. Chemically, turquoise is a mineral made of copper aluminum phosphate, but you're most likely to be familiar with its polished form, especially in rings and necklaces and belt buckles. Interestingly, the word for this traditionally Native American gem comes from a word that means "Turkish," based on its long-ago introduction from Turkey to other parts of Europe.

Example Sentences

If you’re lucky enough to own an oceanfront house in Wrightsville Beach, you’ll look out on the sand, the water and—starting this weekend—an endless stretch of blue and turquoise fabric.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

To perfect Fanning’s Space Age skin makeup, department head Erin Ayanian used a sparkly, turquoise cream eye shadow, bought in bulk since it came in tiny containers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest officially lands in Vienna on Sunday, with a "turquoise carpet" parade featuring competitors from all 35 nations.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

With snow-capped mountains sweeping down to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is one of the jewels in Colombia's tourism crown.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

He wears stuff like maroon capes and turquoise slacks, or stiff-collared button-down shirts with pinstripes.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper

Related Words

• aquamarine