Turquoise

Turquoise is a naturally occurring amalgam stone that exhibits bright color and patterning. It’s mined around the world, but is especially well known in Southwestern United States where it is traditionally used in Navajo and other Native American jewelry.

Turquoise, more than any other stone, is said to have its own personality. It’s often possible to tell exactly which mine a piece of turquoise was taken from just by examining its color patterning (called the matrix). Just as colorful as the stone itself are the stories that have grown up around turquoise miners and mines.

Turquoise is easily one of the loveliest stones in existence, and is a fitting birthstone for December babies.

Learn more about the December birthstone

Turquoise buying Guide

Turquoise varies in color from sea-green to robin’s egg blue. The most valuable is generally the deeper shades of aqua, though the veining also has an effect on value. In general, turquoise that displays spiderweb matrix – an even, allover pattern in a single color – is the most expensive.

Because of turquoise’s properties, it is often treated to stabilize the color. It’s important to be aware of exactly what you are purchasing. ‘Natural’ turquoise has had no treatment at all, and is seldom suited to being made into jewelry. The stone is too chalky and sort, making it subject to easy damage. ‘Stabilized’ turquoise has been stabilized by treating the stone with resin or wax, then heating it to set them in place. This results in a stone that is hard enough for cutting and polishing. Reconstituted turquoise is made from turquoise chips that have been mixed with resin and heated. The resulting stone looks like natural turquoise, but isn’t considered as valuable.

Turquoise care

Turquoise is a soft chalky stone that can be easily damaged. Care should be taken to avoid hard knocks against the stone. Because it is porous, you should also avoid grease, oil and chemicals that may darken or discolor the stone permanently.

Everyday caution

Turquoise shouldn’t be exposed to extremes of temperature change. Extended exposure to bright sunlight can fade the colors of turquoise.

Cleaning turquoise jewelry

Turquoise jewelry can be wiped with a soft, wet cloth and then dried. Do not use ultrasonic cleaner on jewelry pieces containing turquoise. Avoid using chemicals on the stone, and be careful when polishing silver and turquoise pieces not to get the cleaner on the turquoise stone.

Storing turquoise

Turquoise jewelry should be stored in soft cloth or bag if it is stored in a jewelry box with other gems. This will avoid damage to the turquoise from other, harder stones.