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turquois |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Turquoise \Tur*quoise"\, Turquois \Tur*quois"\ (?; 277), n. [F. turquoise; cf Pr & Sp turquesa It turchese turchina LL turchesius turchina -- so called because first brought from Turkey. See 1st {Turkey}.] (Min.) A hydrous phosphate of alumina containing a little copper; calaite. It has a blue, or bluish green, color, and usually occurs in reniform masses with a botryoidal surface. [Formerly written also {turcois}, and {turkois}.] Note: Turquoise is susceptible of a high polish, and when of a bright blue color is much esteemed as a gem. The finest specimens come from Persia. It is also found in New Mexico and Arizona, and is regarded as identical with the chalchihuitl of the Mexicans.
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