Blog

Turquoise is one of the most beloved gemstones, known for its captivating color and rarity. High-quality turquoise is limited, and the production of gem-grade turquoise is far lower than the demand. The price of top-quality turquoise per gram can even surpass that of gold, reaching thousands of dollars per gram.

However, the turquoise market is notorious for the widespread use of optimization treatments. Among them, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is one of the most notable examples.

Located in Arizona, USA, the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine gets its name from the mine's resemblance to the Sleeping Beauty character from fairy tales. The mine has been operational for over 100 years, and it produces some of the highest-quality turquoise. The turquoise from this mine is known for its uniform color, fine texture, and minimal iron veins, making it highly sought after and expensive.

The High Blue of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

Turquoise is found in many regions, but most turquoise mines produce stones with higher iron content, giving them a greenish hue. In contrast, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is typically found in copper mines, and its turquoise stones are renowned for their pure, vivid blue color. The market highly favors this rich blue, particularly sky blue or deep blue, making it the most valuable turquoise color.

The High Porcelain-Like Quality of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

In addition to color, turquoise is also prized for its porcelain-like quality, known as "瓷度" (Porcelain Degree) in Chinese. This refers to the stone's density and texture. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is highly regarded for its fine density and is considered "high porcelain." A high porcelain degree means the stone's internal structure is compact, giving it a smooth and glossy surface that resembles fine porcelain, a characteristic highly sought after in the market.

The Impressive Purity of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

The purity of turquoise is comparable to its clarity, often seen in gemstones like diamonds. It reflects how clean the stone is, specifically regarding the presence of iron veins and other impurities. Turquoise is a complex mineral, and its formation process often leads to iron veins and other inclusions. The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is particularly pure because its high potassium content prevents iron veins from forming, resulting in a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing stone.

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Patina Changes

For those who enjoy collecting or wearing natural gemstones, it’s common to notice a color change or patina developing over time. This happens as the stone absorbs oils and environmental elements, resulting in a deeper, richer hue. Natural turquoise, including Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, can also undergo a similar transformation. However, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is less likely to show noticeable patina changes due to its high quality.

Additionally, many people are unaware that around 95% of lower-quality Sleeping Beauty Turquoise undergoes a treatment called Zakhari electrochemical optimization.

Zakhari Electrochemical Treatment: How It Affects Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

The Zakhari treatment, a patented process, is somewhat similar to the "heating" treatments used on sapphires. While the exact method remains confidential, it is believed that the process involves electrochemical actions, such as electroplating or electrolysis. After treatment, the turquoise takes on a stunning bird-egg-like color with a fine microcrystalline structure. The treatment reduces the stone’s porosity, removes visible iron veins, and enhances its glass-like gloss. In terms of hardness, it can even rival or slightly exceed that of natural high-quality Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. When closely examined, color distribution around fissures is more concentrated around the cracks, not within them, unlike dyed stones. Additionally, placing a small amount of oxalic acid on the surface can cause the formation of a "white skin" effect.

The Myth About “Water-Soaking” Turquoise

There’s a common belief among turquoise enthusiasts that turquoise needs to be soaked in water to preserve its integrity. This myth stems from the fact that turquoise’s chemical composition includes water in three forms: structural water, crystalline water, and adsorbed water in its pores. The total water content can be as high as 15%. This water is crucial to the stability of the turquoise’s structure—without it, the stone can deteriorate.

While some collectors believe soaking turquoise in water helps maintain its stability, it is vital to use only pure water if you choose this method. Turquoise is best stored in a humid environment, like a sealed bag placed in a cool, dark place.

Conclusion

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise stands out in the world of turquoise for its exceptional color, fine texture, and rarity. Whether as a piece of jewelry or a collectible, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a rare treasure. If you're interested in turquoise, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.

By understanding the mine's location, color characteristics, texture, and optimization treatments, consumers can better identify and choose high-quality turquoise pieces. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or a collector, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is a symbol of quality and beauty that remains unrivaled.