Turquoise (color) facts for kids
| This box shows the colour turquoise. |
|---|
Turquoise is a beautiful colour that looks like a mix of blue and green. It gets its name from the turquoise gemstone, which has this unique colour. You might think of it as a slightly greenish shade of cyan, or a pale mix of blue and green.
The word "turquoise" comes from the French word for Turkish. This is because the turquoise gemstone was first brought to Europe from mines in Central Asia through Turkey. People in Europe then started calling the stone, and its colour, "turquoise."
Contents
What makes turquoise special?
Turquoise is a very popular colour around the world. It reminds many people of clear ocean waters or bright skies. It is often seen in jewelry, art, and even in fashion.
Many different cultures have valued turquoise for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native American tribes like the Navajo and Zuni used turquoise in their art and ceremonies. They believed it brought good luck and protection.
Shades of turquoise
Just like many colours, turquoise comes in different shades. Some shades are lighter and more like a pale blue-green, while others are darker and deeper. You might see:
- Pale Turquoise: A very light, soft blue-green.
- Bright Turquoise: A vibrant and strong turquoise.
- Dark Turquoise: A deeper, richer shade that is closer to a dark blue-green.
These different shades can be found in nature, like in the colours of tropical seas, or in man-made items, such as cars and buildings.
Turquoise in nature
Besides the gemstone, you can see turquoise colours in many natural places:
- Oceans and Lakes: Some tropical oceans and clear lakes can appear turquoise, especially when the sunlight hits the water just right. This is because of how light scatters in the water.
- Birds: Some birds, like the Turquoise-browed Motmot, have bright turquoise feathers.
- Minerals: Other minerals, besides the turquoise gem, can also show shades of this colour.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
A turquoise dome of the Po-i-Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
-
A Toyota Celica GT Liftback shown in Bright Turquoise Metallic. Turquoise was a quite popular color for cars during the 1990s.
See also
In Spanish: Turquesa (color) para niños
