Turquoise is a striking bluish-green color that evokes a sense of tranquility. While synthetic turquoise can be produced in dyes and pigments, some of the most beautiful turquoise hues occur organically in nature. Many ancient cultures prized turquoise for its alluring color. Here’s an overview of things that can be naturally turquoise:
Minerals
The mineral turquoise is perhaps the best known example of something naturally occurring in a blue-green, turquoise hue. Turquoise forms in arid climates when water containing copper minerals percolates downward into rock fractures and voids. The turquoise deposits grow in nodules and veinlets as the copper interacts with other elements. Gem-quality turquoise is prized for jewelry and ornamentation. Significant turquoise deposits are found in the southwestern United States and throughout Iran, Afghanistan, Australia, and China.
Aquatic Life
Several sea creatures exhibit brilliant turquoise colors. Tropical fish like parrotfish, surgeonfish, damselfish, and wrasses often have turquoise accents. The feathers of some tropical birds, like turquoise tanagers, shine in iridescent aqua and teal. Underwater scenes of coral reefs and lagoons capture the natural turquoise environment.
| Animal | Turquoise Feature |
|---|---|
| Parrotfish | Blue-green body scales |
| Surgeonfish | Blue face and fins |
| Damselfish | Turquoise stripes |
| Wrasse | Blue-green coloration |
| Turquoise tanager | Bright turquoise feathers |
Geological Formations
There are a number of geological sites that showcase natural turquoise coloration. Turquoise-hued mineral deposits, algae, and microbial life produce striking blue-green landscapes.
| Geological Formation | Location |
|---|---|
| Grand Prismatic Spring | Yellowstone National Park, USA |
| Eynif Lake | British Columbia, Canada |
| Pamukkale | Denizli Province, Turkey |
| Lake Hillier | Western Australia |
| Havasu Falls | Grand Canyon, USA |
Bodies of Water
Many streams, lakes, and oceans naturally exhibit turquoise blue colors due to the interplay of light, depth, sediments, and microbial life. Here are some iconic turquoise waters around the world:
| Body of Water | Location |
|---|---|
| Cayo Coco | Cuba |
| Crater Lake | Oregon, USA |
| Moraine Lake | Banff, Canada |
| Blue Lagoon | Iceland |
| Matira Beach Lagoon | Bora Bora |
Plant Life
Very few plants display true turquoise or blue-green pigmentation. However, some flowering plants like morning glories can have turquoise-tinged blooms. Buds and new growth on some trees and tropical plants can also exhibit subtle aqua hues.
| Plant | Turquoise Feature |
|---|---|
| Morning glory | Turquoise flower petals |
| Redbud tree | Blue-green spring buds |
| Hosta | Blue-green leaves |
| Elephant ears | Turquoise leaf veins |
Man-Made Pigments
While synthetic pigments weren’t a focus of this article, it’s worth noting that turquoise became an important pigment for art, décor, and artifacts throughout history. The earliest synthetic turquoise pigment dates back to ancient Egypt. Other cultures like the Aztecs, Native Americans, Persians, and Chinese also produced artificial turquoise dyes for art and ornamentation. While not strictly natural, these pigments imitated the vibrant blues and greens found in nature.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a captivating color that has long fascinated humankind. Several minerals, aquatic life, geographic sites, bodies of water, and plants naturally exhibit shades of turquoise blue and blue-green. The mineral turquoise itself is likely the purest and most striking naturally occurring turquoise substance. But many other animals, landscapes, and objects found in nature showcase this tranquil, verdant hue. The turquoise wonders of the natural world have inspired artists and cultures for thousands of years.