Turquoise And Cherry Shrimp

Hello all! I'm wanting to set up a shrimp breeding tank with the yellow Neocaridina. I was buying some decorations and grabbed some turquoise from a landscape place, then realized it may have copper in it which I know is supposed to mean death for invertebrates. I couldn't tell by what I was reading if *all* turquoise had copper in it or if some is iron based instead. This particular turquoise is pale green. Any thoughts on the safety of these stones?

 

When in doubt, I'd err on the side of caution and not put it in the tank.

 

When in doubt, I'd err on the side of caution and not put it in the tank.

Yeeeaah, I was thinking that but having my fingers crossed anyway. Lol it's just *SO pretty*!!! I'm sure you're right though. Thank you!

 

I agree with Fahn its not worth the risk you may live to regret it if you do

 

I agree with Fahn its not worth the risk you may live to regret it if you do

Okay
Thank you both!

 

All genuine turquoise contains copper. Turquoise is a hydrated copper-aluminum-phosphate compound.

Turquoise is insoluble in water, though. You would need hydrochloric acid to dissolve it. As far as just having a piece of turquoise in an aquarium, that would not be a problem.

HOWEVER, there's a couple important points.

First, turquoise is almost never pure, in a piece of any size. It's almost always found with inclusions of some other mineral, such as pyrite, or even fossilized substances. In particular, it might be combined with other copper-based substances that are, indeed, water soluble. What's sold as turquoise is going to be turquouse + unknown.

Second, the market in minerals is big now, because of fashion, and ideas about healthful influences, and all that. It has led to the appearance of a lot of imitation minerals, including some imitations that are hard to detect. It's hard to trust the market now, for exactly what you're getting, when you buy some mineral product, no matter what it's called.

I'd stick with known aquarium products, and other known products, that aren't subject to so much geological uncertainty, or fashion trends.

Which is an idiotically long-winded way of saying that I agree with the others. Lol I wouldn't trust it in an aquarium.

 

Croseo Welcome Jeff041419 immediately making a very constructive input with your knowledge on turquoise
That's very informative and interesting look forward to more from you

 

All genuine turquoise contains copper. Turquoise is a hydrated copper-aluminum-phosphate compound.

Turquoise is insoluble in water, though. You would need hydrochloric acid to dissolve it. As far as just having a piece of turquoise in an aquarium, that would not be a problem.

HOWEVER, there's a couple important points.

First, turquoise is almost never pure, in a piece of any size. It's almost always found with inclusions of some other mineral, such as pyrite, or even fossilized substances. In particular, it might be combined with other copper-based substances that are, indeed, water soluble. What's sold as turquoise is going to be turquouse + unknown.

Second, the market in minerals is big now, because of fashion, and ideas about healthful influences, and all that. It has led to the appearance of a lot of imitation minerals, including some imitations that are hard to detect. It's hard to trust the market now, for exactly what you're getting, when you buy some mineral product, no matter what it's called.

I'd stick with known aquarium products, and other known products, that aren't subject to so much geological uncertainty, or fashion trends.

Which is an idiotically long-winded way of saying that I agree with the others. Lol I wouldn't trust it in an aquarium.

Thank you *so much* for sharing your knowledge and, in so much detail!!! That's wonderful and very helpful!

Croseo Welcome Jeff041419 immediately making a very constructive input with your knowledge on turquoise
That's very informative and interesting look forward to more from you

Agreed!!!