Is turquoise a gemstone?
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium, with the chemical formula Cu Al 6 (PO 4) 4 8 ·4H 2 O.It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue.
What is turquoise looking stone?
What is the name of the stone that looks like turquoise? howlite. Click to see full answer. Hereof, what other stone looks like turquoise? The most common imitation of turquoise encountered today is dyed howlite and magnesite, both white in their natural states, and the former also having natural (and convincing) black veining similar to that of turquoise.
What is imitation turquoise?
The imitation turquoise can refer to contain stones or plastic or glass stones made of natural turquoises, others will dyed to look like true turquoise.
What is faux turquoise?
The term “fake turquoise” is a bit of a misnomer because it is not always used to describe imitations of the stone. Some of these stones are natural materials that are dyed or enhanced to look like turquoise. Others are man-made stones designed to resemble turquoise. There are two main reasons why fake turquoise is so common:
Is there another stone that looks like turquoise?
Because Larimar is a lovely blue color, some people confuse it with varieties of Turquoise. However, Larimar is considered one of the rarest minerals on planet Earth and this is because its ONLY known source is in one remote mountain located in Bahoruco, Dominican Republic.
What natural stone looks like turquoise?
HowliteHowlite is a white stone that has black mineral veins that are similar to that of turquoise. Therefore, when the stone is dyed it is identical to turquoise.
What mineral looks like turquoise?
Chrysocolla is the most common mineral of similar appearance to turquoise. Both chrysocolla and turquoise form earthy to compact masses in light to medium blue tones, so hardness or density tests to differentiate between the two are not reliable.
How can you tell howlite from turquoise?
Scratch Test The hardness of howlite is about 3.5 and Turquoise is 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This test will help to determine whether it is real or fake. If it is hard to scratch then you probably have real Turquoise. If it scratches easily then you know it is howlite.
What does howlite look like?
Howlite is an opaque white or light grey porous stone, marked with black, grey or dark brown veining. It does not facet well, but looks beautiful when carved into large shapes with curves (such as globes, eggs or skulls), or cut en cabochon .
What is the difference between turquoise and turquoise magnesite?
Turqurenite – a fake form of Turquoise usually composed of dyed Howlite, or dyed Magnesite. Block / Reconstituted Turquoise – small pieces of genuine Turquoise ground up and added to a matrix with resin or other minerals, to form a blue block. It contains hardly any Turquoise – if any.
How do you tell chrysocolla from turquoise?
What's an easy way to tell the difference between turquoise and chrysocolla? Just lick it! The porous structure of chrysocolla absorbs moisture, so your tongue or finger should stick to it! But, sometimes if a lot of clay is mixed in with turquoise, it can stick too (but not as strongly).
What kind of rock is turquoise?
turquoise, hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate [CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O] that is extensively used as a gemstone. It is a secondary mineral deposited from circulating waters, and it occurs chiefly in arid environments as blue to greenish, waxy veinlets in alumina-rich, weathered, volcanic, or sedimentary rocks.
What is synthetic turquoise?
Typically fake turquoise is made out of a soft mineral called howlite, which is dyed to look just like turquoise. Other imitations include magnesite, plastic, epoxy, and resin that are all dyed to resemble the real deal.
Is Howlite real turquoise?
Fake Turquoise is usually made from an absorbent white mineral called Howlite. Howlite is easily painted or dyed to be disguised as Turquoise. Since it is naturally white, it can be dyed any color in the rainbow. Dyed howlite generally looks virtually identical to real Turquoise.
What does turquoise look like in its natural state?
Turquoise luster is typically waxy to subvitreous, and its transparency is generally opaque, but in thin parts it may be semitranslucent. Color is as variable as the other characteristics of the mineral, varying from white to a blue powder to a purple sky, and from a green blue to a green yellow.
How do you test for turquoise?
1:3917:18How to Test Turquoise at Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first thing i'm going to test for is the dye. And that's the easiest thing to do all you need isMoreSo first thing i'm going to test for is the dye. And that's the easiest thing to do all you need is some acetone and some q-tips. So this right here is acetone. If you don't have acetone you can also
What does turquoise look like in its natural state?
Turquoise luster is typically waxy to subvitreous, and its transparency is generally opaque, but in thin parts it may be semitranslucent. Color is as variable as the other characteristics of the mineral, varying from white to a blue powder to a purple sky, and from a green blue to a green yellow.
What is green turquoise called?
Lime Green Turquoise, Calcosiderite or Variscite has been found near Tonopah Nevada at the Royston Mine, Blue Gem Mine, Tortoise Mine, Miss Moffet Mine, Damele Mine and very small deposits have been found in various other Mines in Nevada.
What is the rarest color of turquoise?
Lander Blue Spiderweb Turquoise is some of the rarest Turquoise on earth and in high demand, Buyers must beware of impersonators, the highest grade of Chinese Spiderweb Turquoise is often sold as Lander Blue Turquoise, it takes an experienced professional to detect true Lander Blue Turquoise.
What is Composite turquoise?
Smaller pieces of turquoise may be bonded together to form larger pieces. The individual pieces are all turquoise; therefore the entire stone is still considered genuine turquoise. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) refers to this as "Composite" turquoise.
What is the color of turquoise?
Turquoise is know for it's sky blue or robin's egg blue color. It can also be found in several shades of green. Although the predominant color is blue there are actually hundreds of different varieties of Turquoise each with their own special characteristics. One of the biggest differences that you can see right away is what is known as "matrix" however some varieties of turquoise have little or no matrix.
What is the difference between a chrosocolla and a turquoise?
One of the biggest differences between Chrysocolla and Turquoise is hardness . Pure Turquoise while still somewhat soft is much harder than pure Chrysocolla. Turquoise is know for it's sky blue or robin's egg blue color. It can also be found in several shades of green.
What is the color of Sonoran Sunrise?
Sonoran Sunrise Chrysocolla cut by Marty Andersen. This unique variety of gemstone gets it's color from Chrysocolla (blue), Cuprite (red) and Tenorite (black).
What gemstones have a Mohs hardness of 7?
Other gemstones that have a Mohs hardness of 7 are Amethyst and Citrine. The highest grade of Gem Silica has good translucency (allows light to pass through), has a strong and consistent color saturation, and has no inclusions or blemishes. This very high grade of Gem Silica can cost more than $200 per carat.
Which is harder, a turquoise or a chrosocolla?
This rare form of Chrysocolla is harder than Turquoise and is a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Other gemstones that have a Mohs hardness of 7 are Amethyst and Citrine.
Is Chrysocolla a turquoise?
Chrysocolla is not Turquoise. It sometimes amazes me to see how many people are wearing jewelry made with Chryso colla that think they are wearing Turquoise jewelry. Although they are both copper minerals and are somewhat similar in appearance, they are not the same thing. From a scientific standpoint, Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate ...
Is chrosocolla a gemstone?
Chrysocolla in it's purest form is way too soft and brittle to be used as a gemstone material. When it is mixed with other minerals it produces a stone that is not only hard enough to be used in jewelry but also gives some unique and colorful additions to the stones it is found in. Some of the minerals commonly found with Chrysocolla are Malachite, ...
What is the second most popular colored gemstone?
Blue topaz is the second most popular colored gemstone of all time (according to Colored Stone magazine, sapphire is number one). Blue topaz has a hardness rating of 8 on the Mohs scale and is considered to be one of the most affordable gemstones.
What is blue gemstone?
Blue Gemstones: A Guide to Colored Stones. When it comes to colored gemstones, color is king. Today, many customers prioritize color and are less concerned with the actual gemstone variety as long as the stone is durable enough for their purpose. Buy Blue Gemstones from GemSelect.
Why are hemimorphite and smithsonite called calamine?
For many years, both hemimorphite and smithsonite were classed together as 'calamine' because of their close resemblance and gemological properties. Hemimorphite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale and can occur in various tones of blue, green and white.
What is the color of Larimar?
Larimar is the blue to green-blue gemstone variety of pectolite. The name 'Larimar' is a trademarked name. Larimar is found in only one location in the entire world - the Dominican Republic. Larimar's distinct color is owed to calcium being replaced by copper impurities. Larimar is often mixed with calcite and hematite, which can lend it very interesting shades of blue, ranging from white-blue to light-blue, and medium sky-blue to volcanic-blue. Volcanic blue Larimar is considered to be the most valuable. Larimar is rather soft, rating just 4.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale, but its use in jewelry remains quite popular. Larimar is very popular in the Caribbean, but it is extremely hard to find in any other area of the world.
What is a Swiss blue hemimorphite?
Sky to Swiss blue hemimorphite is most desirable, often exhibiting bands of blue with white streaks. Although it is more of a collector's gem than a jewelry gem, with proper settings and care, hemimorphite can be used to make extraordinary gemstone jewelry.
What is chalcedony quartz?
Chalcedony belongs to the quartz group of minerals. Technically, 'chalcedony' is the umbrella term for all cryptocrystalline quartz. It can occur in a wide range of different colors, sizes and patterns. In the gemstone trade however, the term 'chalcedony' is typically used only to refer to 'chalcedony in the narrow sense' or 'actual chalcedony', which is the solid colored, translucent light-white to bluish gemstone. It's been recently discovered that chalcedony quartz is actually a combination of quartz and a polymorph known as moganite. Chalcedony takes an excellent polish and high quality materials can exhibit a glowing attractive luster.
What is blue spinel?
Buy Blue Spinel Gemstone. For many centuries, blue and red spinel was mistaken for blue sapphire and red ruby. Spinel has very similar gemological properties to sapphire and ruby, which are both forms of corundum. Like corundum, spinel can also occur in a wide variety of colors.
How do gemologists determine the color of a stone?
Gemologists assess color by considering hue, tone, and saturation. Gemstones often have a secondary hue in addition to a primary hue. For blue gemstones, common secondary hues are green and violet. In general, a more pure blue hue is desirable, and when a stone strays further from blue, it’s less valuable.
What color is the March birthstone?
Nevertheless, darker tones hold more value, even if the stone is somewhat gray. In the past, the beloved modern March birthstone was used as a talisman to keep sailors safe at sea. These stones routinely undergo heat treatmentto lessen green hues, resulting in a more pure blue.
What color is the most popular for engagement rings?
By far the most popular blue gem for faceting, a blue sapphire can have very high saturation. Royal engagements have also made it one of the most popular choices for engagement rings! This September birthstone can occur in any color except red (which is ruby ), but its classic and most well-known hues are blue to violet. These hues arise from trace amounts of titanium and iron in the gem’s crystal structure. Sapphires often undergo a heat treatment, which improves their clarity and color.
What is the birthstone of October?
Used with permission. Tourmaline (Indicolite and Paraíba) A modern option for the October birthstone, tourmalineshave recently increased in popularity and price. Tourmalines occur in every color, but blue specimens, called indicolites, are rare and highly prized.
What color is Spinel?
Recently declared a modern option for the August birthstone, spinel occurs in a wide variety of colors, including blue. Though many are too dark to properly see the color, medium tones of intense saturation are beautiful to behold. Cobalt-colored spinelsare particularly prized for their bright, intense blue colors.
Where is copper silicate found?
First discovered in the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, this copper silicate often exhibits colors similar to turquoise. This mineral rarely grows as a large crystal form. Instead, it often pseudomorphs after malachite. While soft and brittle on its own, shattuckite often occurs mixed with quartz in a massive deposit. When this happens, the resulting gem material with bright blue and blue-green colors becomes durable enough for wear.
Where is tanzanite found?
Found only in a small area of Tanzania , this stone’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Intense blue and violet hues, the result of heat treatment, mimic fine sapphire at a fraction of the price. However, tanzanite can easily chip or break if knocked against a surface. Still, this rare stone makes a beautiful alternative to sapphire.
Where is Bisebee turquoise mined?
Bisebee Turquoise. Originally a huge copper mine in Arizona, this mine produces a royal blue turquoise. Only one company was given the lease to the mine, and in that time, less than 2,000 lbs of high-grade stone was recovered. With so few of these gems ever found, the stone is extremely rare.
Where is the turquoise mine in Nevada?
A collector's stone, this historic Nevada mine is in Crescent Valley, Nevada. Originally nicknamed 'Zuni Nuggets', this turquoise is naturally hard & high-grade. T his Nevada mine produces amazing shades of lime-green and blue turquoise. Due to gold acquisitions covering parts of the mine, Stennich is very hard to find today.
What color is Carico Lake?
Carico Lake Turquoise. The mine in Nevada produces turquoise with an astoundingly vibrant color palette, ranging from electric greens to mossy, earth greens. This mine has also produces blue turquoise in a range of colors as well.
What is Sunwest Silver?
Sunwest Silver is home to one to the world's largest personal collections of North American turquoise. We hope to see you soon! Topics: Turquoise , Sunwest Turquoise , Turquoise Jewelry , Sunwest Handmade , Sunwest on the Plaza.
Where is Darling Darlene turquoise mined?
Taken from a small mine in Northern Nevada, Darling Darlene Turquoise can come in a fairly wide range of colors including blue-green to light blue. The mine was initially a small operation, and later became a gold mine, limiting the amount of this particular turquoise that actually hits the market.
Is turquoise a collectible color?
Turquoise comes in so many shapes and sizes, it’s hard to keep track. North American Turquoise is some of the most envied in the world for its beautiful color matrix and high-grade quality, but there are several other turquo ise types from around the world that are equally beautiful and collectible. All turquoise is unique & collectible, ...
Is turquoise rare?
All turquoise is unique & collectible, and there are rare turquoises that are coveted around the world. We have created this short guide to help you know when the turquoise you are considering is indeed rare. The more knowledge you have, the more comfortable you can be when you make your next turquoise purchase.
What is turquoise jewelry?
Turquoise has been the pinnacle of handcrafted jewelry and adornments for centuries, among a wide array of cultures around the globe. It's deep blue and green hues are known for their eye catching abilities, and depending on locality, some nuggets can include other complimentary minerals that make the mineral even more rare, valuable, and coveted.
What is the mineral hardness of turquoise?
To begin, here's some basic mineral facts about turquoise: - It has a mineral hardness of 5-6, meaning it is not scratched easily. - It is a copper mineral. - It is void of any carbonates , meaning it will not react with acid. - It has a waxy luster.
How to tell if a stone is plastic or resin?
The quickest way to telling a plastic or resin-made imitation is to take a hot needle or pin to the surface of the stone. If it begins to melt or produce a burnt plastic smell, it's either plastic or resin. Simple enough! Trade Names: The biggest kicker to fake turquoise are the trade names that it hides behind.
How to tell if turquoise is dyed?
If you suspect that your turquoise has been dyed, there's two major tell-tale tests you can do. Acetone: This involves either soaking your stone in acetone, or rubbing part of the stone with acetone to see if any color comes off. If it does, this means you have a dyed stone. Destructive test: This test works better if you have large chunks ...
Why epoxy turquoise?
The epoxy fills the voids and porous areas of the turquoise in order to enhance the stones density and preserve its color. Only the highest grade turquoise, such as the material from the Blue Moon mine, is able to be shaped and polished without stabilization due to its density and lack of porosity.
Is turquoise a real thing?
Turquoise is one of the most commonly faked or imitated minerals on the market, with a majority of it either being dyed howlite or straight up plastic! Thankfully, there are certain tests or factors to look for when determining if your turquoise is real, dyed, or entirely lab created, which we have outlined for you below!
Is Howlite a turquoise?
Howlite is a white stone that has black mineral veins that are similar to that of turquoise. Therefore, when the stone is dyed it is identical to turquoise. The first red flag when it comes to dyed turquoise (or any imitation turquoise) is the price. Authentic turquoise is usually pretty expensive even when bought wholesale.
How to tell if a turquoise is a natural stone?
This method can be used if you have a rough natural stone. Simply use your fingernail and run it along the surface of the turquoise stone. If your fingernail gets caught on where the Turquoise meets the webbing matrix, then chances are in your favor that it is a natural turquoise stone.
What is turquoise known for?
Color. The incredible color that turquoise is known for comes from a mix of several different naturally occurring things. The main contributor to the blue color found in turquoise is the copper that the stone contains. When this is combined with water, aluminum and phosphorus what we get is turquoise.
What is fake turquoise?
Fake turquoise is actually an absorbent white mineral called howlite. And this super absorbent mineral howlite can be dyed in almost any color imaginable. And when it’s done right, it can be very difficult to know if what you have is real or fake. Best Rock Collecting Sites In The United States. Report this Ad.
How to get blue off a stone?
In an inconspicuous area, such as the back or side of the stone, simply apply some of the nail polish remover (acetone) with the cotton ball or tissue. If the stone is dyed howlite, then you’ll begin to see blue on the cotton ball.
How much of turquoise is fake?
Believe it or not, but fake turquoise makes up about 90% of the turquoise you come across on a daily basis. That’s crazy!
Why is turquoise so hard to find?
But what you should remember is that any different amount of any of these elements will change the color of the turquoise stone. And that’s why it’s so incredibly difficult to find turquoise in nature that is perfectly uniform with an evenly distributed color.
Is Howlite harder than turquoise?
The scratch test is going to help you determine the hardness of the specimen. Howlite is softer than turquoise, so we can use this to our advantage when determining if the turquoise is fake.
What color is turquoise?
This turquoise comes in vivid, medium and pale blue. It even comes in green! Generally speaking, the darker the blue, the more valuable the stone. * Most noteworthy is the Electric Blue color of turquoise.
What is the closest turquoise to Bisbee?
Most noteworthy, Persian Turquoise is the closest turquoise in appearance to Bisbee Turquoise. One noteworthy factor (visible in this picture) is that Persian Turquoise can have a host rock that appears as a darker, shiny metallic matrix.
What is Harrison lavender?
Harrison Lavender is actually Phelps Dodge Vice-President and General Manager. The Lavender Pit name celebrates him, not the color of host rock. Top Grade Bisbee Electric Blue. Electric Blue, Smokey Blue, and Spiderweb are terms that describe variations of this turquoise. This turquoise comes in vivid, medium and pale blue. It even comes in green!
Is Bisbee turquoise fake?
This type of turquoise is available in shops and on the Internet. Genuine Bisbee, Arizona turquoise is rare and expensive. Consequently, there is “FAKE” Bisbee turquoise offered for sale. In addition, you must be aware that not all sellers are honest or knowledgeable.
Is turquoise hard or stabilized?
In addition, stabilized turquoise is typically less valuable than natural hard turquoise. Most turquoise is stabilized, otherwise it is too chalky and unstable to shape. Finally, stone hardness and vivid color are two of the most important contributing factors to scarcity and therefor price.
Appearance
Composition
Overview
Characteristics
Uses
Introduction
Properties
Varieties
Recognition
Significance
- Turquoise is one of the best-known gemstones. In fact, the color 'turquoise' was named after the gemstone and not the other way around. Pure blue turquoise is quite rare. Like many blue gemstones, turquoise will typically have a noticeable touch of green. Many turquoise gemstones are greener than they are blue. A sky-blue turquoise with minimal vei...