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Ch. 14: Turquois

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The Turquoise
This mineral is remarkable among all the gem minerals in not being transparent and in never occurring in the form of a fine crystal. In composition turquoise is a hydrus phosphate of aluminum. The gem is rather soft; its grade is No. 6.
The ancient supply of fine turquoise came from a mine not far from Nishapur, in Persia, and the mining of the gems in that locality is said to have supported the entire population of the town. The mines must be very ancient. A description of one was written in the year 1300 a.d. and according to a popular tradition, one of the mines, known as Isaac's Mine, was opened by Isaac, son of Abraham. At the present time most of the turquoise come from New Mexico. These mines also are very old and were first worked by the Spaniards, it is said, by consent of the Indians, who still inhabited the land.
The predominating color of the turquoise is green, while on the other hand the color of
Ch. 13: Moonstone Page of 111 Ch. 14: Turquois
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