Turcois

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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}.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
           [1913 Webster]