We’re not the only ones that think Turquoise looks good for its age. Made millions of years ago, the intense opaque gemstone required arid climates to form. It’s usually found in places like Iran, China, Egypt and the Southwest United States where the conditions are just right - dry and barren! Although many are captivated by the beautiful gemstone not many know how it is formed.
The Formation Process
As a secondary mineral, Turquoise is a mix of hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate. It is formed through a process called hydro-thermal replacement. This is when chemicals and minerals from nearby rocks leak out after rainfall, they reform in the cracks or fractures of alumina-rich, sedimentary, weathered or volcanic rocks such as rhyolite, limestone, quartz or chert. These veins are most likely caused by small faults or movement of the rock. Typically, this process happens quite close to the earth’s surface and usually can be located approximately 20 feet deep. However, Turquoise can definitely be found at greater depths.
If we’re getting technical, the chemical formula is CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O.
Turquoise Variations
No two pieces look the same. Some are clear and even whereas others feature a matrix pattern reminiscent of the host rock. The marks that are left behind vary from dark brown to light tan. The colour of the matrix depends on the type of stone of where Turquoise was formed. Deep brown blotches come from iron-rich limonite where as tan blemishes are left behind by sandstone. Some collectors do not value gems that display the matrix pattern yet some love it. It’s all down to personal preference and here at C W Sellors HQ we totally embrace the unique markings, which in our eyes add to the design.
Spiderweb Turquoise is well known in the industry for its thin, intricate weaves that of course, resemble a spider’s web. It is the strong contrast of the brown lines against the vivid blue that does it. There’s nothing else like it on the market.
Turquoise that is formed in veins of rocks is usually clear blue in colour. These cracks can vary from tiny fissures less than than 1/16th of an inch thick to extremely large veins measuring 5 plus inches wide. It is the thicker veins that produce the more porous mineral, which is considered low quality.
Typically, it's the gems with no matrix that are the most desirable followed by the spiderweb Turquoise. However, we’ll repeat, it does all depend on taste.
It’s Pretty Rare
It is truly remarkable how such a vibrant, striking blue gemstone is formed by nature. A true thing of beauty. As the years go on, Turquoise is becoming rarer and rarer due to mines being depleted and therefore, less places in the world offering the captivating gem. Due to the demand, some try to deceive by enhancing stones to improve their colour and lustre or offer fake lookalikes in disguise. It is important you know how to distinguish between the two and only buy authentic Turquoise.
Make sure you always purchase your Turquoise jewellery from trusted suppliers, like us. We source our gems from the famous Kingman mine in Arizona ensuring exceptional quality and beauty every time. Always talk to a professional if in doubt about any gemstone, we’re more that happy to talk about Turquoise all day long.
