Turquoise, with its captivating hue reminiscent of clear blue skies, has fascinated humans for centuries. This exquisite gemstone has adorned jewelry, art, and even religious artifacts, making it a sought-after treasure. However, with the increasing demand for turquoise, the market has become flooded with imitations and synthetics. If you’re an enthusiast or a potential buyer, knowing how to tell real turquoise from impostors is essential to make informed decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the secrets of authentic turquoise, equipping you with the knowledge to identify genuine specimens with confidence.
Understanding the Fascination with Turquoise
Before delving into the intricacies of identifying real turquoise, let’s explore why this gemstone is so highly prized. Turquoise, often referred to as “sky stone” or “stone of the ancients,” has deep cultural and historical significance in many societies.
Its mesmerizing blue-green color has long been associated with the heavens, symbolizing wisdom, protection, and prosperity. Native American tribes believed it possessed spiritual power, using it in tribal ceremonies and adorning their warriors and chiefs with turquoise jewelry. In ancient Egypt, turquoise was used to create intricate burial masks, while the Persians adorned their elite with it as a symbol of wealth and status.
Today, turquoise remains a beloved gemstone for jewelry, home décor, and art, with its calming color and rich history adding to its allure. Unfortunately, the increased demand for turquoise has given rise to a market flooded with imitations, making it imperative to know how to tell real turquoise from its counterparts.
Factors Influencing the Value of Turquoise
Before we dive into the methods of identifying real turquoise, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence its value. These factors not only contribute to the stone’s desirability but also play a crucial role in determining its authenticity.
Color: The color of turquoise is one of the most critical factors. Authentic turquoise exhibits a wide range of blue and green shades, from sky blue to deep green-blue. The most prized color is a bright, robin’s egg blue, often referred to as “Persian blue.” However, turquoise can also come in shades of green, which are highly sought after.
Matrix: Matrix refers to the veining or web-like patterns that are often present in turquoise. These patterns are created by the presence of other minerals, such as iron or pyrite, and can vary in color from black to brown. A well-defined matrix can enhance the beauty and value of turquoise.
Transparency: Real turquoise is typically opaque or semi-translucent. If a turquoise specimen is entirely transparent, it may be a sign of a synthetic or imitation stone.
Hardness: Turquoise has a moderate hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This means it can be scratched by harder materials like quartz. Be cautious of any turquoise that is significantly harder or softer, as it may not be authentic.
Luster: Authentic turquoise has a waxy or greasy luster. If a stone appears too shiny or glassy, it may be an imitation.
Density and Weight: Turquoise is relatively dense and heavy compared to most other gemstones. If a supposed turquoise specimen feels exceptionally light, it could be a fake.
Treatment: Turquoise is often treated to enhance its color and stability. Common treatments include impregnation with resins or waxes.Knowing the treatment history of a turquoise piece can help assess its authenticity.
Now that we’ve established the key factors that influence the value of turquoise, let’s explore the various methods you can employ to tell real turquoise from imitations.
How to Tell Real Turquoise
Identifying authentic turquoise can be a nuanced process, as there are numerous types of imitations and synthetics on the market. However, several reliable methods and techniques can help you make an accurate assessment.
Color: Examine the color carefully. Authentic turquoise comes in a variety of shades, but be wary of specimens that are too vibrant, neon, or have a consistent, unnaturally even color. Genuine turquoise often exhibits subtle variations in color due to its mineral composition.
Matrix: Check for the presence of matrix. Authentic turquoise commonly displays intricate veining or web-like patterns caused by the surrounding minerals. These patterns should appear natural and not overly symmetrical.
Transparency: Observe the level of transparency. Authentic turquoise is generally opaque or semi-translucent. If the stone is entirely transparent or overly clear, it may be a synthetic or imitation.
Luster: Assess the luster. Real turquoise has a characteristic waxy or greasy luster. If the stone appears too shiny or glassy, it could be a fake.
Surface Texture: Examine the surface texture for signs of natural wear and aging. Real turquoise may develop a slightly porous texture over time, while imitations often have a smoother surface.
Hardness: Test the hardness of the stone. Turquoise has a moderate hardness, so it should not be easily scratched by common materials like a fingernail. If it shows significant signs of wear or scratches, it may not be genuine.
Density and Weight: Feel the weight of the stone. Authentic turquoise is relatively dense and heavy. If the stone feels exceptionally light, it could be a fake.
Heat Resistance: Authentic turquoise is heat resistant and will not change color or exhibit damage when exposed to heat. To perform this test, heat a small, inconspicuous area of the stone with a hot needle or a heat source such as a hairdryer. If the color changes, it may indicate an imitation.
Microscopic Examination: Use a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope to closely examine the surface of the stone. Look for any irregularities, inconsistencies, or signs of artificial treatment, such as fillers or dyes.
Fluorescence: Some genuine turquoise specimens exhibit fluorescence under UV light. However, this is not a foolproof method, as not all authentic turquoise fluoresces. Use a UV light source to observe any fluorescence patterns, but do not rely solely on this test.
Density Comparison: Measure the stone’s specific gravity by comparing its weight in air to its weight in water. Authentic turquoise has a specific gravity typically between 2.6 and 2.8. If the stone’s specific gravity significantly deviates from this range, it may not be genuine.
Reaction to Acid: Authentic turquoise is generally stable and does not react to common acids. Place a drop of dilute hydrochloric acid on a small, inconspicuous area of the stone and observe any effervescence or changes in color. If the stone reacts, it is likely an imitation.
Professional Testing: For a definitive assessment of turquoise authenticity, consider consulting a gemologist or a laboratory that offers X-ray diffraction analysis. This non-destructive test can determine the mineral composition of the stone and confirm its identity as turquoise.
Purchase from Reputable Sources: When buying turquoise jewelry or specimens of significant value, always seek out reputable sellers and request a certificate of authenticity. Certified gemologists can provide expert evaluations.
Contextual Information: Understanding the cultural and historical context of turquoise can also help in determining authenticity. For example, knowing the origin of a piece and its historical significance can provide valuable clues.
In a market inundated with imitations and synthetics, the ability to tell real turquoise from impostors is a valuable skill. Armed with the methods and techniques outlined in this guide, you can confidently assess the authenticity of turquoise specimens and make informed decisions as a collector, jewelry enthusiast, or buyer.
Summarize
Remember that the evaluation of turquoise authenticity can sometimes require a combination of methods, and it’s essential to exercise caution and seek professional expertise when necessary. By valuing and preserving the authenticity of turquoise, we continue to honor its rich cultural heritage and ensure that this timeless gemstone remains a symbol of beauty, history, and spirituality for generations to come.
So, the next time you encounter a piece of turquoise jewelry or artwork, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock the mysteries of turquoise and distinguish the genuine article from its imitations, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty and significance of this remarkable gemstone.
