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Natural Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrated copper aluminum phosphate (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O), treasured since antiquity for its sky-blue to greenish-blue color, often set off by veins of host rock called matrix. With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 it is relatively soft and porous.
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Gemstone guide
Natural Turquoise
About turquoise
Turquoise is a birthstone for December. It was mined in the Sinai by ancient Egyptians more than 5,000 years ago, and the Nishapur mines in Iran produced the classic Persian sky blue for centuries; the American Southwest, China and Tibet are other important sources. Its blue comes from copper, and iron shifts it toward green. Because natural turquoise is porous, much of it is stabilized, impregnated with resin to harden it and protect its color, a common and accepted treatment that should always be stated.
What you'll find in this collection
Our turquoise comes from Tibet and is stabilized, as stated on each listing. You'll find oval cabochons of around 21 to 25 carats, in blue to greenish blue with natural matrix.
How to recognise turquoise
Natural turquoise has a waxy luster and usually a slightly uneven color with matrix veins of brown or black. Dyed howlite and magnesite are common imitations; under magnification their veins look like cracks filled with dark dye, and acetone on a cotton swab can lift dye from them. Stabilized turquoise often has a more uniform, slightly glassy surface.
Caring for turquoise
Turquoise is porous and soft, so it can absorb oils, cosmetics and perfume, which change its color. Put turquoise jewelry on last and take it off first, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and avoid water, heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
Every stone is natural, and each listing gives its weight, size, origin and treatment, with photos of the actual stone.