Turquoise
Turquoise — Colour with Character
Turquoise is a blue-to-green gemstone whose appeal comes from its colour, texture and, sometimes, the dark veins running through it. It can suit a clean, evenly coloured design or a piece that celebrates the stone’s natural pattern.
Gemological Properties
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Mineral / material | Turquoise; usually an aggregate of very small crystals |
| Composition | Hydrated copper aluminium phosphate |
| Colours | Blue to green, sometimes with veins or areas of host rock |
| Hardness | 5–6 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive index | 1.610–1.650; measurement may be limited in opaque stones |
| Specific gravity | Reference value 2.76, with variation of +0.14 / −0.36 |
| Transparency and appearance | Usually opaque; sometimes slightly translucent. Matrix patterns may include a spiderweb appearance |
These are reference values for the mineral. Porosity, host rock and treatments can affect measurements obtained from an individual stone.
Colour and Optics
In turquoise, colour and texture matter more than the brilliance and light return associated with transparent gemstones. Its colours range from blue to green, and it is usually fashioned into cabochons, beads or carvings.
The veins visible in many stones are remnants of the surrounding host rock, known as matrix. They can form a delicate, balanced pattern or a richer, more complex appearance. Spiderweb patterns are particularly attractive when the veins contrast beautifully with the stone’s colour.
Sources Around the World
Turquoise comes from several sources, including Iran, China and the United States, as well as other locations such as Mexico.
Iran: The Nishapur district is a well-known historical source, particularly associated with attractive blue turquoise. The trade expression “Persian blue” is also used to describe colour and does not, by itself, establish Iranian origin.
China: Hubei Province is an important producing region. Chinese turquoise occurs in blue and green shades, with or without matrix, and in varying qualities.
Arizona: The state is known for mines such as Sleeping Beauty, Bisbee and Morenci. These names are associated in the trade with different appearances, but colour and veining alone cannot establish a particular mine.
Nevada: Another recognised American source, with numerous mines and a variety of stones. Historical sources also occur in New Mexico, Colorado and California.
A country or mine name can add interest and context, but it does not determine quality on its own. Colour, texture, condition and treatment remain central to assessing an individual stone.
Tibetan Turquoise
The name is also used for stones and beads historically used in Tibetan culture, rather than necessarily mined in Tibet. Some reached Tibet through trade from China, Iran and Afghanistan and were incorporated into jewellery, ritual objects and traditions passed down through generations. Older stones with such a history may be sold as “antique Tibetan turquoise”; the name alone does not establish their age, mining origin or previous use in a monastery.
Quality and Price
Turquoise is assessed by its colour, texture, polish and the presence of matrix. An even, saturated blue is highly regarded, while stones with attractive matrix patterns can also be sought after.
Price is also influenced by size, condition and treatment. Two stones with similar colours may differ considerably in density, porosity and value. Carat weight alone does not describe a stone’s quality.
Treatments and Identification
Turquoise may be impregnated with resin or polymer, often described as stabilisation, to improve its strength and suitability for cutting and polishing. Waxing and dyeing are also used. Treated natural turquoise should be distinguished from reconstituted material made from particles held together by a binder.
Dyed Howlite and Other Imitations
Howlite is a different mineral from turquoise. Its pale material may contain grey veins, and when dyed blue it can resemble turquoise. It is sometimes offered as “turquoise” without its actual identity being clearly disclosed.
Dyed howlite is neither natural turquoise nor stabilised turquoise — it is an imitation made from another mineral. Dyed magnesite and manufactured materials are also used to imitate turquoise.
By contrast, natural turquoise impregnated with resin or polymer is treated turquoise. Distinguishing untreated natural material, treated material, reconstituted material and imitations is important when understanding the gemstone and its value.
Blue colour and dark veins are not sufficient for identification. Gemological examination assesses the material itself and evidence of treatment; some cases require advanced laboratory testing.
Suitability for Setting
Turquoise is particularly suited to pendants and earrings. It can also be set in rings when the design takes the stone’s hardness and structure into account.
A protective setting can reduce exposure of the edges to impacts. Dense and porous stones do not behave identically during jewellery making, so the setting is selected according to the individual stone and any treatment it has received.
Spiritual and Symbolic Meaning — Beliefs and Traditions
Its name means “Turkish rock”, as it was historically brought to Europe through Turkey.
One of the oldest stones known to humankind. It is considered the national stone of Iran.
Its main characteristic is its ability to adapt to the person using it.
Native American shamans, Aztecs, Persians and Egyptians made extensive use of it in spiritual ceremonies. Turquoise is also a sacred stone among Buddhists in Tibet.
It provides help to people whose emotions are wounded or weak.
It helps the person using it contribute to others and to humanity.
It calms and quiets thoughts, provides a sense of harmony, increases the desire for self-fulfilment and emphasises the importance of friendship and loyalty.
It strengthens and increases life energy, eases breathing and is suitable for people with asthma.
It is good for treating animals; animals connect with it easily and enjoy its presence.
These meanings belong to the realm of belief and symbolism. They can give jewellery personal significance, but they are not proven gemological properties or a promise of healing, protection or a change in health.
Turquoise in a Bespoke Design
At TzurGems Jewelry & Gemstones, Guy Dagan, gemologist, and Rafael, master goldsmith, bring gemstone selection and jewellery design together, creating a piece suited to the stone’s colour, shape and character.