The highly sought after gem has been adored for centuries. So much so, that many mines have become depleted making the radiant gem rarer by the day. Turquoise’s heritage takes us back all the way to ancient Egypt with the pharaohs wearing the striking stone as a symbol of good luck. It’s been around for a long time yet always looks so good never failing to excite gemologists, historians and jewellers.
How Turquoise Forms
Discovered in just a few places around the world, Turquoise requires dry, barren conditions to form. Mineral-rich water that includes aluminium and copper seeps into rock cracks, which over a long time period transforms into the captivating gem. The veins in the rock are caused by movement or small faults and are filled with water after it has rained. This is why a lot of Turquoise has a matrix pattern as the Turquoise is formed within the rock and when it is taken away a reminder is left behind.
No Two Pieces of Turquoise are The Same
That’s what makes it so unique. Many are searching for the sky blue shade with no matrix, which is pretty rare to find and therefore, all the more desirable. The even appearance is called Persian blue in the trade and we admit, is beautiful to wear yet in our opinion so are the pieces that feature a matrix or are more green in colour.
The matrix is evidence of the surrounding rock where the fragment of Turquoise was formed. It varies from piece to piece with the markings present sporadically or in a pattern over the entire stone. The colour can also vary from honey gold to brown to jet black depending on the mother rock. Gold usually comes from rhyolite, brown from iron oxide and black from iron pyrite aka iron sulfide.
If the matrix resembles a spiders web it is known in the industry as Spiderweb Turquoise. Many of the mines in America produce this type of Turquoise and is highly sought after in this part of the world. It all depends on personal taste and preference.
Where in the World is Turquoise Found?
The Turquoise that we carve in to beautiful jewellery is sourced from the Kingman mine in Northern Western Arizona. It is one of the oldest and largest mines in America with many closing down due to depletion. As well as the United States, Turquoise is found in countries such as Iran, Mexico, Afghanistan, China and Irasel.
Avoid the Copycats
There are many imitations disguising themselves as Turquoise. Howlite, magnesite, plastic, epoxy, glass and resin have been confused with the real deal many times before so it is important to get clued up on the differences to not be misled. Speaking with a professional or buying from a trusted retailer like ourselves is an easy way to buy with confidence.
Reconstituted Turquoise is the process of mixing grounded Turquoise with another stone to create a lookalike piece. Another way to confuse those wishing to buy an authentic piece of the mesmerising stone. It’s difficult industry to navigate but sticking to reputable businesses likes ourselves make things much easier.
