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Turquoise, often called the “birthstone of December,” is cherished for its beautiful color and rich history. However, the market is flooded with fake turquoise, making it essential for consumers and collectors to know how to distinguish real turquoise from imitations. In this guide, we will walk you through various methods to identify authentic turquoise and offer tips on purchasing and caring for this precious gemstone.

What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate mineral composed of copper, aluminum, and phosphorus, with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·5H2O. It belongs to the triclinic crystal system and comes in a range of colors, including sky blue, light blue, and greenish-blue. Its smooth texture and varied luster have made turquoise a beloved gem in ancient civilizations and modern jewelry.

The Unique Features of Turquoise: Understanding its Value

1. Turquoise Color

The color of turquoise is one of the most important factors in determining its quality. The most prized turquoise is a pure sky blue, especially those shades known as "high blue" or "robin's egg blue." While turquoise can also be green, blue-green, or even yellow-green, the richer and more vibrant the color, the higher the value.

2. Turquoise Luster

Luster refers to the shine on the surface of turquoise. High-quality turquoise has a smooth, porcelain-like luster, which gives it a polished and refined appearance. This porcelain-like finish is a hallmark of genuine turquoise.

3. Iron Veining

Authentic turquoise often has irregular iron veins running through it. These veins can vary in depth and texture and usually extend inward. Compared to fake turquoise, real turquoise’s veins are more natural-looking and less uniform.

How to Tell if Turquoise is Real?

When distinguishing real turquoise from fake, consider the following methods:

1. Color Observation

Real turquoise typically has natural, consistent color, although small imperfections and color spots are possible. If the color looks too even, overly bright, or unnatural, it might be a fake.

2. The Water Absorption Test

Turquoise is porous and has the ability to absorb water. To perform the test, place the stone in water for a few minutes. Real turquoise will darken and absorb the water. If it doesn't change, or if the color stays the same, it's likely a fake.

3. Tapping Sound

Tap the stone lightly with a hard object. Genuine turquoise produces a crisp, clear sound, while fake turquoise tends to emit a dull thud.

4. Iron Vein Inspection

Genuine turquoise has irregular, natural-looking iron veins that may extend deep into the stone. Fake turquoise often features consistent, uniform lines that remain on the surface, making them easy to spot.

5. Luster Check

The luster of genuine turquoise is either porcelain-like or waxy, providing a smooth, polished finish. Fake turquoise, on the other hand, often has a plastic-like or shiny coating that lacks the natural, soft glow of real turquoise.

Tips for Buying Turquoise

When purchasing turquoise, keep these important factors in mind:

1. Choose Reputable Sellers

To ensure you’re buying real turquoise, always purchase from reputable jewelry stores or dealers. Research the store’s reputation, read reviews, and check customer feedback to avoid being scammed.

2. Ask for Certification

For high-value turquoise, always request a certificate of authenticity. This document will verify that the turquoise is genuine and outline its quality.

3. Compare Prices

Before making a purchase, compare the prices and qualities offered by different sellers. This will help you choose the best turquoise for your budget and ensure you’re getting fair value for your money.

4. Be a Smart Shopper

Turquoise prices vary depending on quality, so make sure to choose wisely within your budget. Don’t fall for extremely low or outrageously high prices—research is key.

How to Care for Your Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise is a delicate stone that requires special care to maintain its beauty. Here are some tips for preserving your turquoise:

1. Avoid Contact with Oils and Chemicals

Turquoise is highly porous and absorbs oils, perfumes, and other chemicals easily. Avoid exposing your turquoise jewelry to these substances, as they can affect its luster and color.

2. Keep It Away from Heat and Sunlight

Turquoise is sensitive to heat and sunlight. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight can cause the color to fade or even crack the stone.

3. Be Careful with Impact

Turquoise is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, and can easily be scratched or damaged by hard objects. Handle your turquoise with care and store it separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches.

4. No Ultrasonic Cleaning

Due to its porous nature, turquoise should never be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners. These devices can damage the stone’s surface and cause it to lose its color.

Common Imitations of Turquoise and How to Spot Them

As turquoise grows in popularity, various imitations have appeared on the market. Below are four common types of fake turquoise and how to identify them:

1. Hydrated Aluminum Phosphate (Imitation Turquoise)

Color: Generally lighter, and unable to replicate the deep blue shades of genuine turquoise.

Luster: Glassy appearance, unlike the waxy luster of real turquoise.

Hardness: Relatively low and can break easily.

Smell: Often has a clay-like or earthy scent.

2. Malachite (Silicon Malachite)

Color: Vivid green with high transparency, which is not typical for natural turquoise.

Hardness and Density: Relatively low compared to genuine turquoise, making it more fragile and less durable.

Other Features: Usually has a smooth, uniform texture with clear patterns, unlike real turquoise, which tends to have natural, inconsistent veins.

3. Blue-Green Glass

Luster: Glassy finish, often with visible bubbles or swirling patterns on the surface.

Appearance: The glass material is too uniform and bright compared to real turquoise’s naturally smooth, waxy texture.

Sound Test: Glass typically produces a different sound when tapped, often more hollow compared to authentic turquoise.

4. Reconstituted Turquoise

Appearance: Often has a porcelain-like luster and noticeable granular texture.

Acid Test: Reconstituted turquoise contains copper compounds, and copper salts dissolve in hydrochloric acid, unlike natural turquoise which does not react in the same way.

Conclusion: How to Choose and Care for Turquoise

Turquoise is a beautiful and culturally significant gemstone that every jewelry enthusiast should invest in. Whether you are purchasing turquoise jewelry for personal use or selecting high-quality pieces for your business, understanding the unique characteristics of turquoise and how to distinguish genuine pieces from imitations is essential.

To ensure that the turquoise you buy is a genuine, natural gemstone, it’s important to pay attention to its unique veining and the natural blue-green gradient tones. Identifying imitations is also crucial; avoid purchasing items made from blue-green glass or reconstituted turquoise, as these typically lack the true luster and texture of authentic turquoise.

Caring for your turquoise is also key to extending its lifespan. To maintain its vibrant color, avoid contact with chemicals and use a soft cloth for cleaning. Store your turquoise jewelry in a dry, safe place, and avoid contact with hard objects to preserve its brilliance.

If you're looking for high-quality turquoise jewelry, GiftinCrystal is your ideal choice. We are committed to providing carefully selected and rigorously vetted authentic turquoise products. All our items meet high craftsmanship standards, perfect for personal collections and wholesale for retailers. Visit our Turquoise Collections today to explore our wide range of turquoise jewelry and discover more stunning gemstone accessories that will elevate your collection and meet your needs!