Learn about Turquoise
Would you believe us if we told you that the gorgeous turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in the world?
Turquoise
- Turquoise
- 5 to 6 Mohs
-
Sagittarius Capricorn
- Positivity, Happiness
- December Birthstone
Round
Oval
Overview
Turquoise might come across as a chic, modern-day jewel. Several sources suggest that this ancient gem was first spotted in Turkey. It then traveled to Europe with people who revered it for its fascinating color and called it ‘pierre tourques,’ French for ‘Turkish stone.’
Some ancient cultures believed that wearing this gem could attract good fortune, while others thought it helped in the safe passage to the afterlife.
1. Key Origin
- Turquoise happens to be the national gem of Tibet
2. Associations
- Turquoise has been associated with a host of positive attributes.
- The color of turquoise itself is reminiscent of the summer sky, which symbolizes positivity, happiness, and possibilities.
- Some ancient cultures believed that wearing this gem could attract good fortune.
Properties
Rated 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
01Hardness & Strength
In the toughness department, turquoise can be considered a fairly durable gem. It has a rating of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, a tool developed by Friedrich Mohs specifically to measure the hardness of various minerals.
So, while turquoise isn’t the strongest, it certainly isn’t as delicate as a pearl either. Do remember to avoid a turquoise if it appears coarse, porous, or grainy. Pick stones that have a fine and smooth texture as they’re likely to be more durable.
02Treatment
It is normal for turquoise to undergo treatment to improve its appearance and/or durability. Some of the methods used are as follows.
Stabilization: This process involves placing the stone under pressure, leading to the absorption of a clear epoxy, making the stone harder, thereby improving its durability.
Dyeing: Since color is the most important feature of the turquoise, many sellers use dark blue pigments or other varieties of dye to either improve the color tone or make it more uniform.
Waxing and Oiling: The ‘wetting effect’ is achieved with the help of this method that involves using a light film of wax or oil. It essentially helps enhance the glow of the turquoise.
The 4C’s
The below-mentioned factors help determine a turquoise's true value:
- Color
- Carat
- Clarity
- Cuts
01Color
- Superior-quality turquoise stones showcase a bright color that is reminiscent of robin’s eggs.
- Sourced from Persia (now Iran), and therefore preferred hue for turquoise was also referred to as ‘Persian blue.’
- Strictly avoid turquoise stones that have hints of green.
02Carat
- Fortunately, the turquoise is available in a variety of sizes, from very small to considerably big.
- In terms of weight, you can find turquoise up to 5 carats with relative ease.
- Always give preference to the quality and color grade, and not the size or carat weight.
03Clarity
- Turquoise is unlike most of the other gems that are known for their translucent sparkle.
- Turquoise with splotches or veins can be found, as they are simply the remnants of the host rock.
- Top-quality turquoise stones display an evenly spread-out bright blue color on the opaque surface with no presence of matrix
04Cuts
- Top-quality turquoise stones are usually fashioned into cabochons and can be found in different shapes.
- Round and oval being the most common, also cut into beads or flat pieces for inlays.
- The structure of turquoise leans on the softer side, it has been used by artists all over the world for carving fascinating fashion jewelry
Quality & Grading
Before picking turquoise jewelry, do check the quality grading chart to make an informed purchase:
| Gem Quality | Color | Clarity | Brilliance | Rareness | Shop Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heirloom (AAAA) |  Deep Sky Blue | Opaque & Surface Clean | Very High | Top 1% |
Solitaire Oval Turquoise Swirl Drop Earrings with Diamond$2,231 |
| Best (AAA) |  Sky Blue | Opaque & Very Slight Surface Blemishesa | High | Top 10% |
Solitaire Turquoise Infinity Knot Ring$459 |
| Better (AA) |  Greenish-Blue | Opaque & Slight Surface Blemishes | Medium | Top 33% |
Round Turquoise Solitaire Infinity Knot Pendant$299 |
| Good (A) |  Light Blue | Opaque & Surface Blemishes | Low | Top 75% |
Infinity Round Turquoise and Diamond Halo Pendant$1,034 |
Care Instructions
If you’ve fallen in love with the turquoise and plan to bring it home in the form of pretty jewelry, then do keep the following tips in mind. Not only will this list help you maintain the beauty of the ‘mefkat’ gem, but it will also help prevent unnecessary damage.
FAQs
1. Are turquoise valuable?
Yes, turquoise is considered valuable, especially high-quality stones with vibrant, even color and minimal veining. Its value is influenced by factors such as origin, color intensity and rarity, with stones from renowned mines being particularly sought after.
2. Is turquoise expensive?
Turquoise prices vary based on quality, origin and treatment. Natural, high-quality turquoise can be expensive, while treated or synthetic options are more affordable.
3. What makes turquoise so special?
Turquoise is highly prized by many cultures across the world as it’s believed to symbolize positivity and happiness. This has led many to believe that this gemstone serves as their very own personal talisman of hope and joy.
4. How many colors of turquoise are there?
Turquoise comes in a range of colors, from blue to greenish-blue, with the most coveted shade being the pretty "robin's egg" blue.
5. Is turquoise graded differently than diamonds?
Yes, turquoise is evaluated based on color, texture, matrix pattern and treatment status, rather than the grading standard of 4Cs that applies to diamonds. A uniform, intense blue with minimal veining is considered the highest quality.
Latest Pick from Turquoise Jewelry
- Solitaire Oval Turquoise Split Shank Ring with Trio Diamonds$1,419
- Oval Turquoise Split Shank Ring with Diamond Collar$1,969
- Prong-Set Oval Turquoise Halo Ring with Diamonds$2,869
- Oval Turquoise Ring with Diamond Accents$2,029
- Solitaire Turquoise Split Shank Ring with Diamonds$1,549
- Tapered Shank Oval Turquoise Ring with Trio Diamond Accent$2,009
- Oval-Shaped Turquoise Solitaire Ring with Diamond Accents$2,069
- Round Turquoise Halo Ring with Diamond Accents$1,729
- Oval-Shaped Turquoise Entangled Split Shank Ring with Halo$1,909
- Classic Round Turquoise and Diamond Three Stone Ring$2,719
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Sapphire
Some jewels need no introduction. Their magnificence does all the talking, and sapphire is a fine example of this. From royals and aristocrats to those with a penchant for pure luxury – everyone has a special place in their heart for this enchanting jewel.
Opal
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Tourmaline
Renowned for its extensive and exciting color spectrum, this gem is an absolute treat for the eyes. While pink happens to be one of its most popular shades, tourmalines in bi-colors and tri-colors are also very much in demand. Learn more about this jewel with the help of our informational guide.
Swiss Blue Topaz
Did you know? The name of this gem is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘tapas’, which means ‘fire’. Also, blue is not the only color this gem is available is. You can find topaz in multiple hues, including yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Read our guide to know more interesting details about this eye-catching gem.
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Tanzanite
The more you read about tanzanite, the more fascinating and alluring it gets. From the intriguing folklores about its birth to the fact that it’s rarer than diamonds, this gemstone is brimming with mystery and spellbinding beauty.
Turquoise
Did you know? Turquoise is one of the official birthstones of December. Its summery sky hue earned it the title of ‘mefkat,’ which translates to ‘gem of joy.’ Discover more such interesting information, along with quality grading details that will help you make an informed purchase.
Morganite
This peachy stunner is named after the renowned American gemstone collector and banker – John Pierpont Morgan. Not only is it popular in the jewelry industry, but also in the field of crystal healing. This gem is also believed to attract and nurture love.
Onyx
Is this gem as intriguing as its name? Yes, it definitely is. According to legends, onyx is believed to have come from Venus – the goddess of love. That’s not all. Many ancient cultures even considered it a lucky talisman. Continue reading to know more about this fascinating gem.
Tsavorite
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