Everything you need to know about Turquoise Gemstone
Turquoise gemstones can only be found in a select few locations. Those locations are arid and desolate regions with high concentrations of copper in the groundwater that seeps downhill and combines with phosphorus- and aluminium-containing minerals.
The end product of this sedimentary process is a porous compound of hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate that ranges from semi-translucent to opaque in appearance.
Description
The Turquoise stone is an excellent illustration of an opaque-coloured stone that can be marketed as a gem for jewellery and as a decorative material. Both of these markets are suitable for dealing with turquoise gemstones.
Turquoise gemstones may not have the glitter and purity of transparent coloured gemstones such as ruby, emerald, or sapphire; yet, the gem's multifaceted history and soul-satisfying colour make it a valuable investment.
Its colour can range from a dull green to a grass green to a vivid sky blue with a medium-toned colouration. The combination of old history and a colour that will never be forgotten gives the turquoise gem a high value among people. Turquoise gemstones can only be found in a select few locations.
Those locations are arid and desolate regions with high concentrations of copper in the groundwater that seeps downhill and combines with phosphorus- and aluminium-containing minerals.
The end product of this sedimentary process is a porous compound of hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate that ranges from semi-translucent to opaque in appearance.
The Nishapur district of Iran, originally known as Persia, is the historical origin of the top colour, frequently described as robin's-egg blue or sky blue. Due to this, you'll often hear people in the trade refer to Blue Turquoise stone with this stunning colour as "Persian blue," regardless of whether or not the Blue Turquoise stone was mined in Iran.
Jewellery designers have been pushed to their creative limits by the demand for high-quality turquoise gems. Cabochons are the most common shape it is cut into, although they can also be cut into beads or flat pieces used for inlays.
When purchasing turquoise gemstones of the most excellent quality, you should look for stones that do not have any matrix. The second most valuable type of gem is one that has an appealing spiderweb matrix.
Facts
| Absorption Spectrum | Colours | Crystallography |
| It can be distinctive; lines at 4600 (vague) and 4320. These are usually seen in light reflected from the Turquoise surface. | Crystals blue. Massive materials dark blue to pale blue, green, blue-green, apple green, greyish green | Triclinic, although usually massive. Crystals are extremely rare and microscopic; microcrystalline, massive; concretionary; veins and crusts |
| Birefringence | Birthstone | Cleavage |
| 0.04 | December | None in the massive material |
| Etymology | Enhancements | Luminescence |
| From the French turquois for "Turkish." The stone was brought to Europe from Persia (Iran) through Turkey. | Epoxy/lacquer/wax surface coating; wax/epoxy resin infusion for stability; dyeing; plastic/wax/epoxy impregnation | Greenish yellow to blue in LW, inert in SW and X-rays. |
| Chemistry/Formulae | Fracture | Mohs Hardness |
| CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 5H2O + Fe | Conchoidal, uneven | 5 to 6 |
| Luminescence Present | Luminescence Type | Mineral |
| Yes | Fluorescent, UV-Long | Turquoise |
| Lustre | Occurrence | Optics |
| Crystals are vitreous; massive, waxy or dull, and earthy. | Formed by the action of percolating groundwaters in aluminous rocks where copper is present, as in the vicinity of copper deposits | Massive material gives a shadow edge (mean refractive index) of 1.62. Crystals: a = 1.61; β=1.62: γ= 1.65. Biaxial (+), 2V = 40°. |
| Optic Sign | Pleochroism | Refractive Index |
| Biaxial + | Weak: colourless/pale blue or pale green. | 1.590-1.650 |
| Specific Gravity | Transparency | Typical Treatments |
| 2.40-2.90. Crystals 2.84; massive in the range 2.6-2.9. See "Identifying Characteristics" below | Translucent (rare), opaque | Dyeing, Infusion/Impregnation, Surface Coating |
| Variety of | Wearability | |
| Best Known Gemstones | Poor |
History
Turquoise is one of the oldest gems, which dates back to prehistoric times. The rulers of ancient Egypt were found to have decked themselves with turquoise gemstones jewellery, which was carved by Chinese artists more than 3,000 years ago, according to the findings of archaeological digs.
It has been believed for a very long time that the stone turquoise stone bestows its wearer with good health, good fortune, and protection from evil. Therefore, the Turquoise stone is the national gem of Tibet. This precious stone derives from the French phrase "Turquoise stone," which translates to "Turkish stone."
The fact that the material most likely originated in Turkey and made its way to Europe for the first time in the thirteenth century is reflected in the name, which originated at that time. Native American tribes in the southwestern United States used turquoise stone both as an item of ceremonial significance and as a means of barter for goods.
In addition to that, they used it in their jewellery and amulets. For example, the Apaches believed that attaching a piece of Turquoise to a bow or pistol made the user more accurate when hunting or fighting.
Stone Sizes
The stone known as a turquoise stone is abundant and can be purchased in various sizes. Beads, cabochons, sculptures, and inlays are all possible applications for this material. However, even though customers are familiar with it, its success in the mainstream jewellery sector is cyclical at best.
Stone Care
Turquoise gems are subject to damage from heat or chemicals, as well as being relatively delicate and porous. The water content of stones ranges from 18-20% on average.
For example, when heated, such as from an ignorant jeweller's torch, that water is lost gradually until, at 400 degrees Celsius, the mineral loses its ability to maintain its structural integrity. Therefore, due to the qualities of this stone, turquoise jewellery should only be worn on a sporadic basis.
Use safe settings and keep it away from heat, chemicals, and shocks; this is especially important when wearing a ring. It would be best if you didn't clean with mechanical means, like ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
Also, it is best not to use soap, detergents, or other cleaning solutions on this porous gem material when cleaning it. First, use a damp towel to wipe, then immediately wipe the surface dry. After each use, clean the parts by wiping them down with a moist towel.
FAQs
What Exactly Is a Turquoise Gemstone?
According to its chemical composition, the turquoise gemstone is a hydrated copper-aluminium phosphate with an aggregate, cryptocrystalline structure. Only one deposit, located at Lynch Station, Virginia, is known to produce crystals that range from transparent to translucent.
Does the Type of Pattern on the Turquoise Matrix Affect How Durable It Is?
Lapidaries frequently cut the stone with this brownish or black matrix to create a contrast in colour and patterns. However, this matrix can affect the stone's colour, hardness, and workability.
The hardness of turquoise gemstone specimens that are somewhat pure might be somewhere about 5, and their porosity might be considerable. In general, a large proportion of silicate minerals increases hardness and a reduction in porosity. In contrast, a high proportion of clay minerals has the opposite effect.
How Should Turquoise Gemstones Be Cared For?
- Wax impregnation is a typical process that enhances colour but can also attract dirt and tarnish with time. Instead, locate using the hot point method and magnification.
- Epoxy impregnation: marginally increases colour, making porous material stronger and able to receive a polish, is common and stable, and has a long shelf life. Investigate using a magnifying glass.
- The process of dying with shoe polish improves webbing and is relatively stable, except for its sensitivity to acetone. Acetone swiping can be used to detect.
- Epoxy backing is ubiquitous and provides weight and strength, although it can come apart. Identify by using your eyes.
- Epoxy or lacquer applied to the surface of anything can make the colour more vibrant while also preventing the dye from leaking out. Investigate using a magnifying glass.
Where Does Turquoise Gemstone Come From, And What Are Its Sources?
Typically, Turquoise gemstones may be found in dry regions, and these are places where groundwater seeps through aluminous rock and is found close to copper deposits. The economies of North America and China are the primary drivers of the global trade in turquoise gemstones.