Real Turquoise Gemstone Guide

Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, has been cherished for millennia, adorning royalty and symbolizing protection across cultures. However, the market is flooded with various forms of turquoise, from natural and stabilized to treated and outright imitations. Understanding the nuances of a real turquoise gemstone guide is crucial for anyone looking to invest in this beautiful stone. This guide will help you discern genuine turquoise and appreciate its unique qualities.

What Defines Real Turquoise?

Real turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, forming in arid regions where groundwater percolates through rocks containing these minerals. Its distinctive color comes from the presence of copper, while iron impurities can introduce greenish tones. The purity of the color, the presence of a matrix, and the overall quality contribute to its value.

Natural vs. Treated Turquoise

It is important to understand that not all real turquoise is untreated. The vast majority of turquoise on the market, even genuine turquoise, undergoes some form of treatment to enhance its durability or appearance. Recognizing these distinctions is a key part of any real turquoise gemstone guide.

• Natural Turquoise: This is turquoise that has received no treatment whatsoever beyond cutting and polishing. It is typically softer and more porous, making it susceptible to color changes over time. Natural turquoise is the rarest and most valuable form.
• Stabilized Turquoise: This is a common and generally accepted treatment where porous turquoise is infused with a clear epoxy resin. This process hardens the stone, improves its durability, and prevents color fading or changes. Most of the real turquoise available today is stabilized, making it more practical for jewelry.
• Treated/Enhanced Turquoise: This category includes turquoise that has been dyed to enhance its color or subjected to other processes like impregnating with plastic to improve its appearance. These treatments are often less accepted in high-end markets.
• Reconstituted Turquoise: This is made from crushed turquoise fragments mixed with resin, often dyed, and then pressed into blocks. While it contains real turquoise material, it is not a solid natural stone.
• Imitation Turquoise: These are materials like howlite, magnesite, plastic, or glass that are dyed to mimic turquoise. They contain no real turquoise whatsoever.

Key Characteristics of a Real Turquoise Gemstone

Identifying real turquoise often comes down to observing several key characteristics. Familiarizing yourself with these traits will significantly improve your ability to spot authentic pieces.

Color and Luster

The color of real turquoise can range from sky blue to blue-green and even apple green. Pure, robin’s egg blue is highly prized, but natural variations are common. The color should ideally be consistent within the stone, though subtle variations are natural. Real turquoise typically has a waxy to sub-vitreous (somewhat glassy) luster, not overly shiny like plastic or glass.

Matrix Patterns

The matrix refers to the remnants of the host rock found within the turquoise. This can appear as black, brown, or yellowish veins or webbing, often creating unique patterns like the desirable ‘spiderweb’ matrix. While some high-quality turquoise is matrix-free, its presence is a strong indicator of a real turquoise gemstone. Imitations often have very uniform or unnatural-looking matrix patterns.

Texture and Feel

Real turquoise, especially untreated or lightly stabilized pieces, often feels cool and slightly heavy to the touch. It has a distinctive density. Imitations like plastic will feel warm and light. The surface of real turquoise might also exhibit minor imperfections or variations in texture, unlike the perfectly smooth surface of many fakes.

How to Identify Real Turquoise: Practical Tips

While definitive identification often requires professional gemological testing, several practical observations can help you distinguish real turquoise.

Examine for Uniformity

Natural turquoise rarely has a perfectly uniform color throughout. Look for subtle variations in hue and saturation. If the color is perfectly consistent or appears too vibrant and artificial, it might be dyed or imitation. A real turquoise gemstone will often have slight imperfections.

Check the Porosity (with caution)

Untreated turquoise is porous. A small drop of water on an unpolished, inconspicuous area might be absorbed, darkening the stone slightly. However, this test can be damaging and is not recommended for finished jewelry or stabilized turquoise, which is less porous. This is a delicate part of any real turquoise gemstone guide.

The Scratch Test (use with extreme care)

Turquoise has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale. If you can find an inconspicuous area, you might try to scratch it with a steel needle (hardness 5.5). If it scratches easily, it might be a softer imitation. This test is destructive and should be avoided on finished pieces. Never attempt it on a piece of jewelry you intend to keep.

The Acetone Test (for dyed stones)

Dye used to color fake or enhanced turquoise might bleed when exposed to acetone. Lightly dab a cotton swab dipped in acetone onto an inconspicuous part of the stone. If color transfers to the swab, it is likely dyed. Be aware that acetone can also damage the polish or resin in stabilized turquoise.

Look for Inconsistencies

Inspect drill holes or the back of the stone. If the color is significantly different in these areas compared to the polished surface, it could indicate a dyed stone. Also, observe if the matrix lines look painted on rather than natural inclusions.

Buying Real Turquoise: Where to Find It

Purchasing real turquoise requires diligence. Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

• Reputable Dealers: Buy from established jewelers, reputable online stores, or galleries specializing in Native American jewelry. These sources are more likely to provide genuine articles and transparent information about treatments.
• Ask Questions: Do not hesitate to ask about the origin of the turquoise, whether it is natural, stabilized, or treated, and if a certificate of authenticity is available. A knowledgeable seller will be happy to provide this information.
• Understand Pricing: Natural, untreated turquoise is significantly more expensive than stabilized or treated varieties. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, especially for large, perfectly colored pieces.
• Educate Yourself: The more you know about real turquoise, the better equipped you will be to identify authentic pieces. This real turquoise gemstone guide is a great start.

Caring for Your Real Turquoise Gemstone

Once you acquire a real turquoise gemstone, proper care is essential to maintain its beauty. Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, making it susceptible to damage from chemicals, oils, and prolonged sunlight.

• Avoid Chemicals: Keep turquoise away from harsh chemicals, perfumes, lotions, and even natural oils from your skin, which can alter its color.
• Clean Gently: Clean your turquoise with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam cleaners, which can damage the stone.
• Store Separately: Store turquoise jewelry separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching. Keep it in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box.
• Limit Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause some turquoise to fade or change color.

By following these care tips, your real turquoise gemstone will retain its vibrant beauty for many years to come.

Conclusion

Identifying real turquoise requires a combination of knowledge, careful observation, and a discerning eye. While the market presents many challenges with various treatments and imitations, armed with this real turquoise gemstone guide, you are better prepared to confidently distinguish genuine pieces. Always prioritize buying from trusted sources and never hesitate to ask detailed questions about the stone’s origin and treatment. Embrace the journey of discovering the authentic beauty of real turquoise and cherish its unique allure.