Turquoise

Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or blue-green gem. It can also have a distinct yellow or limey green tone as seen in Chinese Turquoise. The finest color is an intense blue. Turquoise may contain narrow veins of other materials either isolated or as a network. They are usually black, brown, or yellowish-brown in color. Known as the matrix, these veins of color are sometimes in the form of an intricate pattern, called a spider web. The stone ranges from soft/somewhat porous to hard. The hard Turquoise is compact and wears well and is never enhanced and is found in the most expensive pieces of Turquoise jewelry.

Turquoise is mined all over the world, but a great deal comes from the West and Southwest United States. Natural turquoise is often too unstable to be used in jewelry so it is often subjected to a stabilizing treatment that soaks in various binders such as polymers to add strength. This is a common trade practice and in my opinion should not prevent a person from buying specimens or jewelry containing stabilized Turquoise. Be aware of simulated Turquoise, and so-called reconstituted Turquoise. Simulated Turquoise is generally the mineral Howelite which is dyed to emulate real Turquoise.

You can see from the pictures that Howelite has a similar matrix as Turquoise and once dyed it’s difficult to distinguish from natural turquoise if you’re not familiar with the stone. Personally, I purchase my stock from Dealers that mark very clearly whether a product has been enhanced and they follow the Industry Standard Guide faithfully. I never use dyed Howelite in my jewelry. When in doubt, ask!

Reconstituted Turquoise is crushed up Turquoise that has a binder applied, then reformed in to blocks which are cut in to gemstone shapes of carved in to figurines etc. The dealer should tell you if you are buying reconstituted Turquoise, it should not cost as much as natural or natural stabilized items. This type of Turquoise can still make lovely pieces of jewelry at a much more affordable price. Even dyed Howelite can make some fun and fashionable jewelry…just know what you’re getting.

Special care is required for Turquoise regardless of whether or not it is enhanced. A porous gem, Turquoise can absorb anything it touches. Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes, skin oil, acids, and other chemicals. Avoid dehydrating it or exposing it to heat. Your jeweler will tell you how to best care for your natural gemstone.