Arizona State Gemstone or Gem

Turquoise

(Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate)

Adopted in 1974.

Turquoise is a blue-green, waxy-surfaced stone used for centuries in Native American jewelry. It can be found throughout the southwest and is composed of hydrous oxide of aluminum and copper. Turquoise, Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate, was approved as the state gemstone by the Legislature in 1974.

A.R.S. § 41-858: State Gemstone
41-858. State gemstone
Turquoise is the official state gemstone.

Turquoise has captivated man's imagination for centuries. When it came to the attention of man is unknown. We have archeological as well as literary references that pre date the Christian era by five millenia. The four bracelets of Queen Zar, found on her mummified arm, date to the second ruler of the Egypt's First Dynasty, approximately 5500 B.C. Although not specifically mentioned in the Bible, scholars believe that the robe worn by the high priest Aaron was adorned with turquoise. Aristotle, Pliny and others refer to stones that must have been turquoise. After the fourth or fifth century A.D., many writings appeared discussing the stone. Explorers such as Marco Polo took time to write about it.