Table of Contents
What makes turquoise more valuable?
Turquoise in its purest form is a hydrous phosphate compound of aluminum and copper, which creates the medium blue color we all know. Many say that this color is the most valuable because it is the purest, only having traces of copper or aluminum.
What is turquoise on the hardness scale?
5 to 6
Turquoise ranks 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and its toughness is generally Fair to Good. Turquoise is generally stable to light, but high heat can cause discoloration and surface damage.
How can you tell the quality of turquoise?
Typically, turquoise is judged on three basic quality factors—color, texture, and the presence or absence of matrix.
Is stabilized turquoise less valuable?
Because Stabilized Turquoise is less expensive than Natural Turquoise, jewelry should be priced accordingly, and the source/quality of the turquoise should be disclosed.
What is the rarest turquoise?
Lander Blue Spiderweb 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.
Where is the best turquoise found?
“The most common places known for good quality turquoise are Iran (Persia), Egypt, Northwest China, Mexico and the southwestern part of the United States. Although there can be mines found in many states, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada are the most common places where you will find them.
What is the hardest turquoise?
High Grade Natural Turquoise
Turquoise Grades And Treatments Done To Turquoise. High Grade Natural Turquoise: High Grade Natural Turquoise is found in all shades from sky blue to apple green. It is the hardest of Turquoise Grades and takes the best polish.
Can turquoise be worn everyday?
The brilliant coloring of turquoise will add a stunning burst of color to any outfit. Wear it every day to uplift your mood, or wear a necklace close to your heart to enjoy its extensive healing and meditative properties.
How do you tell if turquoise has been stabilized?
After treatment, stabilized turquoise is harder and is unlikely to break or crack. The stone is no longer porous, so it doesn’t absorb liquids or oils and the color is “locked” – unlike natural turquoise where the color can change, or deepen, over time.
Is turquoise worth anything?
How much a turquoise stone is worth is a common question among turquoise collectors. The price of turquoise stones normally range from $1 to $10 per carat but can range from $0.05 to $1000 per carat depending on the quality.
Who has the most turquoise?
Today, China produces the majority of turquoise – around 75%, which is often enhanced for colour and lustre and therefore not considered good quality – alongside Iran, the US, Mexico, Chile and Tibet. In the American Southwest, once a thriving turquoise mining community, many mines are now closed.
What is the rarest type 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 the hardness of turquoise on the Mohs scale?
The finest of turquoise reaches a maximum Mohs hardness of just under 6, or slightly more than window glass. Characteristically a cryptocrystalline mineral, turquoise almost never forms single crystals, and all of its properties are highly variable.
What is turquoise’s luster?
Turquoise lusterWaxy to subvitreous
What is turquoise gem?
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium, with the chemical formula CuAl6 ( PO4) 4 (O H) 8· 4 H2O. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue.