Real turquoise can be quite expensive, depending on its type, quality, and origin. Turquoise is a gemstone, and gemstones can range in price from very affordable, to extremely expensive. Authentic turquoise can be found in various grades, from lower grade “filler” stone, all the way up to very high quality stones.
The source, or origin, of the turquoise is also important; for instance, a “Persian Turquoise” is often more expensive than other varieties. Additionally, it is important to discern if the turquoise is real, or has been “stabilized” or even dyed another color to appear like turquoise.
In general, real turquoise can range from relatively affordable, to extremely expensive depending on the type and origin.
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How can you tell turquoise is real?
When determining if turquoise is real, it’s important to look at the overall color, shape, hardness, and its luster. The real thing must have an even color throughout the stone, while imitation turquoise can be made of many materials and will have an inconsistent color.
Imitations often have a bright blue or green color, while real turquoise can range from light to dark blue or green. The shape of real turquoise is usually uneven, while imitations are often symmetrical and rounded.
Additionally, real turquoise is harder than imitations, and the hardness can be tested by scratching it with a steel nail. Lastly, a real stone should have a waxy or greasy luster, which can be felt when rubbed with a fingertip.
What turquoise is most valuable?
The most valuable type of turquoise is the Sleeping Beauty Mine turquoise, which is known for its unique sky blue color and lack of matrix or pyrite-bearing material in the stone. This particular type of turquoise is the most recognizable and sought-after variety, which makes it extremely valuable.
Other factors that help determine the value of a turquoise stone include the origin, size, layer, shape, quality of cut, and other considerations. In general, natural untreated stones are the most valuable, but stones that are treated with paraffin or wax, or backed with other materials to fill in the crevices, can also be valuable.
In addition, stones with good veins and consistent color tend to be slightly more expensive than the ones with inclusions or inconsistent tones.
Who should not wear turquoise stone?
Generally, turquoise stone is considered to be beneficial and auspicious for all individuals. However, people who have weak Mercury (Budh) should not wear turquoise as it can cause a loss of money and impact their health adversely.
This applies in particular to individuals who are born in Ashlesha nakshatra or have Ashlesha as their Rashi. Additionally, people, who have an imbalance in the 5th element of their birth chart, should also avoid wearing turquoise.
Furthermore, people with an ascendant governed by Rahu, Ketu or Shani should not wear this stone.
Can real turquoise get wet?
Yes, real turquoise can get wet. Turquoise is a naturally porous material, so it doesn’t handle water well, but it can be kept safe and secure if exposed to moisture. When real turquoise gets wet, it can suffer discoloration and damage.
For example, turquoise may become dull, or the color may become uneven. Cleaning turquoise with water will also strip away the oils that turquoise needs in order to retain its natural luster, further damaging the material.
However, this discoloration can be reversed by oiling the jewelry using mineral oil or other specially formulated oils. To ensure that your turquoise jewelry is not damaged by water, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly dry the jewelry before storing it away.
Additionally, keeping your turquoise out of direct contact with water will help ensure its longevity.
What is the rarest color of turquoise?
The rarest color of turquoise is called “turquoise chrysocolla,” sometimes referred to as “electric blue” or “blue-green. ” It is an opaque, deep-blue to deep-green color and is highly prized for its rarity and beautiful hue.
This color is found in gemstones from certain mines in Indonesia and Mexico, and it is often used in jewelry. It is often mixed with other materials, such as coral, lapis lazuli, quartz, and silver.
Does real turquoise change color?
Yes, real turquoise can change color. Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, and its color can change due to environmental conditions, such as exposure to light or chemicals. Sunlight and heat can cause the stone to fade over time, though some may darken instead.
Other environmental factors can also affect the shade, such as chemical compounds like perfumes, lotions, and oils that can cause discoloration. If the item containing your turquoise is kept in a dry and stable environment, then it should not change its color.
In some cases, the changing of the color is even desirable, as it can give the piece an unique antiqued look.
What does fake turquoise look like?
Fake turquoise can vary in appearance, but most often it is a pale blue or green stone that has a surface texture that appears almost waxy. It may also have spots of black, a somewhat mottled or banded pattern, and have an overall matte finish.
Fake turquoise generally lacks the intensity of color and hardness of real turquoise and can feel oddly light when handled. It is also considerably cheaper than genuine turquoise, making it easy to differentiate from the real stone.
Fake turquoise may also have a surface that appears less solid than genuine turquoise. This is due to the fact that some fake stones are simply painted glass, plastic, or resin that is designed to resemble turquoise.
What state has the turquoise?
New Mexico is known for its variety of turquoise minerals. Many Native American tribes mined and used the turquoise from New Mexico for centuries. The states most famous mines located at Cerrillos, St.
Johns, Zuni, and New Mexico’s Pueblo lands. The stone has been connected to early Native American cultures and is highly sought after in jewelry and artwork. The turquoise found in New Mexico is especially desirable because some stones have vivid green hues not found in other regions.
Turquoise is found in many different types of geology throughout the state, and today New Mexico is a major source of high-grade turquoise.
What’s the most expensive type of turquoise?
The most expensive type of turquoise is usually referred to as “imperial” or “persian” turquoise. This type of turquoise is highly sought after due to its unique qualities and beautiful, vivid color.
It is quite rare and can often times be quite expensive. The price can vary depending on size, shape, quality and origin. Generally, stones that come from certain mines such as Mines of Egypt, the Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona, and the Kingman mine in Arizona are the most valuable.
Factors such as how high the colour saturation is and the amount of “matrix” (iron pyrite) running through the stone can also influence the value of imperial turquoise. As with any other type of gemstone, quality is always the main factor in determining the price.
How do I know how much my turquoise is worth?
The value of turquoise is determined by several factors, including the quality and size of the stone, its shape, the availability of similar stones in the market, the market demand, and the specific carver or artist who carved or worked on the piece.
To determine the value of your piece of turquoise, the best course of action is to have it assessed by an expert or gemologist. They can look at all the factors mentioned to provide an accurate evaluation of your turquoise’s value.
Additionally, if you’re considering selling or purchasing this piece, a professional’s assessment can help ensure you make a fair deal. Alternatively, you can research similar pieces online to gain more insight on your piece’s likely value.
You can also refer to online price guides for market estimates of your piece, but bear in mind that these can be unreliable since they often fail to take into account the specific factors mentioned above.
How do I identify my turquoise?
Knowing how to identify turquoise is very important, as there are many types of this beautiful stone, each with its own unique characteristics. To identify turquoise, look for certain features such as color, pattern, and hardness.
When evaluating turquoise, the first thing to take note of is the color. Natural turquoise will typically appear in shades of blue or blue-green, but can also appear in shades of yellow, orange, brown, and even purple.
Additionally, these hues can vary in intensity, with some softer in color, and others displaying brighter more intense hues. It’s important to note, however, that turquoise that is too brightly colored or intensely patterned, is likely not natural.
Second, take note of the pattern or lack thereof on the stone. While most natural turquoise is marbled or webbed, synthetic turquoise will usually appear with a solid, uniform color. Natural turquoise often appears with veins or spots of a different color and texture running through it, while synthetics may appear with swirls or even no veins at all.
Finally, take note of the hardness of the stone. Natural turquoise is typically quite hard, ranging around 5 – 6 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, while synthetic turquise is often softer, ranking closer to 4.
5 – 5. 5 on the Mohs Scale. So, if the stone feels softer or can be easily scratched, it is most likely not turquoise.
Overall, knowing how to identify turquoise is a crucial part of becoming a more knowledgeable collector. As turquoise contains many different characteristics and qualities, it is important to use the aforementioned steps when assessing the authenticity of the stone.
With a little bit of extra knowledge, you will be well-equipped to confidently identify turquoise wherever you might encounter it.
What makes turquoise high quality?
Turquoise is a unique and beautiful gemstone that can be found in a variety of forms. High quality turquoise is known for its beautiful and vibrant hue, as well as its durability. Quality turquoise is most often mined in the United States and is characterized by its rock-hardness and ability to hold a polish.
Good-quality turquoise is often cut into cabochons and beads and is generally uniform in color with few flaws or blemishes. As a natural gemstone, turquoise is extremely rare and as such is highly sought after by collectors.
When it comes to turquoise, color saturation and clarity are both key indicators of high quality, as is a lack of cracks, chips, or matrix. High-quality turquoise also has high brilliance and does not fade with time.
Overall, the primary characteristics of high quality turquoise are its beautiful hue, durability, rarity, and lack of flaws.
How many carats should turquoise be worn?
Turquoise gemstones can range in carat size from fractions of a carat up to several carats. When deciding how many carats to wear, it is important to consider the type of jewelry and the size of your hands.
For example, smaller turquoise carats may be better suited for petite necklaces, while larger carats may be needed for larger statement jewelry. When considering the size of your hands, consider how the turquoise gemstone may look in proportion to the rest of your body.
If you have large hands, a large turquoise carat size may be more visually appealing as it can add to the look and feel of the jewelry. For those with smaller hands, a smaller turquoise carat size may be more suitable so that the jewelry does not overpower their body.
Ultimately, the decision on how many carats of turquoise to wear is up to individual preference and the desired effect they wish to achieve.
