Updated as of June 2026
Turquoise
A sky-blue stone honored across many cultures as a protective talisman bringing good fortune and well-being.
Price range$5 to $200/ct
Hardness (Mohs)5.5
ColorsBlue, Blue-green, Green
BirthstoneDecember
AltGems Score How we score
4.8/10
Turquoise pros and cons
Pros
- Strong value for the look
- A recognized birthstone (December)
Cons
- Softer at Mohs 5.5, best in protected settings
- Commonly treated (stabilization with resin)
- Opaque, so it shows color rather than sparkle
Turquoise is best kept for earrings, pendants, and protected settings rather than rough daily wear.
Explore Turquoise
Meaning and properties
Symbolism, zodiac, chakraPrice and value
What it costs and whyBuying guide
How to choose and where to buyCare and cleaning
Keep it looking its bestTurquoise jewelry
Turquoise ringsTurquoise engagement ringsTurquoise necklacesTurquoise pendantsTurquoise earringsTurquoise bracelets
Common buying mistakes
- Buying on carat weight alone instead of color and cut, which drive beauty more.
- Skipping treatment disclosure, which changes both value and care.
- Setting this softer stone (Mohs 5.5) in an exposed daily-wear ring instead of a protective bezel or halo.
- Cleaning it the wrong way. Soft and porous. Clean with a soft dry cloth only. Avoid water, oils, cosmetics, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.
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Where to buy Turquoise: for fine pieces, choose established jewelers with clear return policies and lab reports; for unique or budget pieces, vetted marketplace sellers work well. Always confirm treatment and the return window before buying. AltGems prices are general per-carat guides, so verify value with a certified gemologist or GIA report.
Frequently asked questions
What is Turquoise?
A sky-blue stone honored across many cultures as a protective talisman bringing good fortune and well-being. It rates 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and commonly appears in blue, blue-green, green.
How much does Turquoise cost?
Turquoise typically runs about $5 to $200 per carat depending on color, clarity, cut, and origin. See our Turquoise price guide for detail.
Is Turquoise good for everyday jewelry?
It rates 5.5 on the Mohs scale, so it suits earrings, pendants, and occasional-wear rings better than daily rough use.
What is the AltGems Score for Turquoise?
Turquoise earns an overall AltGems Score of 4.8 out of 10, balancing durability, brilliance, value, rarity, and everyday wearability. See our methodology on the How We Score page.
How do I care for Turquoise?
Soft and porous. Clean with a soft dry cloth only. Avoid water, oils, cosmetics, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners.