Turquoise – the Gorgeous Blue Precious Stone used in Silver Jewelry

Turquoise is an attractive gem that looks so good in silver turquoise jewelry. Scientifically it is a mixture of aluminum and phosphates with some traces of copper oxide, which gives it its blue color, and iron, zinc, calcium and manganese oxide. The green color arises from the iron or aluminum and yellow is from the zinc. The most common color is green for turquoise gemstones, and indeed blue stones very often transform into green after exposure to light for a long time. Various mixtures of these elements give turquoise its array of colors, with the most highly valued being those with a deep blue color and yellow colored stones having the least value. The best quality gems, Persian turquoise for instance, do not tend to fade and keep their beautiful blue color for a long time.

Some gemstones have a main color with colored lines in a spider web pattern marking the surface. This is caused by uneven distribution of the different elements present in the precious stone and the marks can be yellow, black or brown in many different patterns. However unmarked stones are more highly prized than stones with a spider web matrix while turquoise gems of intense blue color, even with spider web matrix, are more highly prized than green or yellow unmarked stones. Untreated turquoise gems of a pure color, i.e. without a spider web matrix, are rarer and are extremely highly prized.

Turquoise Treatments

About 10% of turquoise used in jewelry is natural, high quality gemstone. Over 85% is processed from soft turquoise in order to harden it enough for use in jewelry. This treatment also improves toughness and boosts the gemstone’s color. Turquoise that comes from some countries, for example China, is much too soft and must be treated. In spite of this the treatment yields good-looking stones, which, while less valuable than untreated gemstones, nevertheless make wonderful jewelry. Treatments enhance the color of the gemstones as well as making them tougher which makes them last longer. A treatment method that can be used to boost the color involves injecting a dye in epoxy resin into the stone. The color is durable and will not fade. The soft Chinese turquoise is hardened by injecting stones with liquid plastic. A further technique is to use epoxy resin without a dye in order stabilise the gem but won’t change the color.

Artificial turquoise can be made from a base of liquid plastic with powdered turquoise. This sort of turquoise is obviously very low-priced. These imitation stones might be sold as high quality natural turquoise turquoise and may be waxed or plastic coated.

Looking After Turquoise Gemstones

Turquoise is porous and soft so needs to be carefully looked after. It should never be worn at times when scratching can be occur and should be shielded from impact always. Never wear turquoise jewelry when you are gardening or washing up! Store turquoise jewelry in a box lined with soft material such as velvet and never store with other gems which may well damage the stones. Turquoise stones can soak up liquids so do not let them come into contact with hot water, oils, chemicals and even perfumes and cosmetics. These could be absorbed by the stone which will change color or become dull. Turquoise can be cleaned by using very mild soapy water and drying carefully with a soft cloth. Make certain it is dried completely before you store it away and on no account use an ultrasonic cleaner as they may cause cracking of the gemstone.

Conclusion

Turquoise is a beautiful, eye-catching stone which is rare and sought after. Although it does have a few disadvantages in that it has to be carefully looked after and many of the blue stones can fade to green over time, it makes fantastic silver turquoise jewelry as the lovely blue color complements perfectly the silver.

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