Turquoise is a gorgeous stone that makes exquisite silver turquoise jewelry. Chemically it’s a blend of phosphates and aluminum with some traces of copper oxide, from which arises its blue color, and manganese oxide, calcium, zinc and iron. The green color comes from the aluminum or iron and yellow from zinc. Green is the most common color for turquoise stones, and in fact blue stones very often transform into green when exposed to sunlight for any length of time. Various combinations of these elements give turquoise its array of colors, with the most valued being those with an intense blue color and yellow colored gemstones having the least value. The finest quality gemstones, Persian turquoise for instance, don’t usually fade and maintain their lovely blue color for many years.

Some turquoise gems have a main color with a spider web pattern of different colored lines marking the surface. The cause of this is irregular dispersal of the various elements present in the gem and the marks can be yellow, black or brown in lots of patterns. However pure colored gemstones are more valued than those with a spider web matrix while turquoise precious stones of intense blue color, even though they have a spider web matrix, are more sought after than green or yellow pure colored gemstones. Untreated turquoise gems of a pure color, i.e. those which are not marked with spider web matrix, are rare and are extremely highly prized.

Turquoise Treatments

About 10% of turquoise used in jewelry is natural, high quality stone. Above 90% is treated from rough, soft turquoise so that it hardens enough to be used. The process also increases resilience and boosts the color of the gemstones. Turquoise that comes from some countries, for example China, is always too soft and must be treated. Nevertheless the process yields good-looking stones, which, although less prized than untreated gems, nevertheless make superb jewelry. Treatments enhance the color of the gems as well as making them tougher so that they last for much longer. A process used  to boost the color consists of injecting an epoxy resin containing a dye into the stone. The color is durable and will not fade. Soft turquoise from China is hardened by injecting liquid plastic into the stone. Another technique is to use epoxy resin without a dye in order stabilise the gemstone but won’t change the color.

Synthetic turquoise is also made from a base of liquid plastic with powdered turquoise. This sort of turquoise is obviously very inexpensive. These imitation gems may well be sold as high quality natural turquoise turquoise and are often waxed or plastic coated.

Taking Care of Turquoise Gems

Turquoise is porous and soft so must be carefully looked after. It should never be worn at times when scratching can be occur and should be shielded from impact at all times. Never wear turquoise jewelry for gardening or to do the washing up! Keep turquoise jewelry in a softly lined box and don’t store with other gems which may well damage the stones. Turquoise gemstones can absorb liquids so do not let them come into contact with oils, chemicals or hot water and even perfumes and cosmetics. These could be absorbed by the gemstone which may dull or even change it’s color. You can clean turquoise by using very mild soapy water and drying carefully with a soft cloth. Ensure it is thoroughly dried before storing it away and never use ultrasonic jewelry cleaners which can cause cracking of the gem.

Conclusion

Turquoise is an exquisite, attractive gemstone which is rare and highly valued. Although it certainly has a few disadvantages in that it needs to be looked after carefully and many of the blue stones can fade to green over time, it makes wonderful silver turquoise jewelry as the attractive blue color looks perfect with the silver.

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