How to Identify Genuine Turquoise: A Buyer’s Guide

Turquoise is a beautifully stunning gem that has its unique shades of blue-green and holds some historical values regarding jewelry and art. It is one of the most liked stones; there are hundreds of imitation stones that easily substitute the real ones.

This guide will give you the basic knowledge about how to identify genuine turquoise; a buyer’s guide. Here we go.

Understanding Turquoise

Turquoise gemstone is a relatively rare mineral obtained from copper and aluminum. It can occur in a range of sky blue to greenish-blue. The overall colors depend on other minerals’ presence.

The most popular varieties are the Persian turquoise, having deep blue colors; the Sleeping Beauty turquoise, recognized for its uniform color; and the Kingman turquoise, which has a range of colors and various matrices.

Why Does Authenticity Matters While Buying Turquoise Gems?

Authentic turquoise not only has more worth, but also holds historic and cultural importance. This stone has been used for many years by various cultures; it is believed that it possesses the quality of protecting one from various malicious elements.

Most of these are replicas, also known as imitations, which might be composed of howlite or even plastic, while these replicated stones do not possess even a small fraction of the attractive value of the real ones.

Determining Real Turquoise Gemstones

In case you are set out to buy some turquoise, you might use the following ways to identify natural stones versus the imitations:

1. Observe the Color

Natural turquoise does not usually come in an intense uniform blue. It usually has a range of colors and is always greenish with desaturated effects. Instead of bright colors that seem too good to be true, look for stones where natural gradations of color occur.

2. Examine the Matrix

Genuine turquoise will typically include dark veining or matrix lines running through it. Those lines should feel etched in, rather than painted on the stone’s surface. If the stone has almost no matrix, it’s probably been dyed or treated.

3. Perform the Scratch Test

True turquoise gemstone is relatively hard in comparison with many fakes. You can test this by trying to scratch the surface with a sharp object. If it scratches easily, you know that’s probably not it.

The gems that get easily scratched are Pearl and Moonstone.

4. Feel the Weight

Natural turquoise has some mass and weight; it weighs more than most fake materials such as howlite or resin. If the stone feels light or chalky, it’s probably not the real gem.

5. Inspect for Surface Texture

Real turquoise crystal is oily and cheesy. If the stone is gritty or sandy, it could be a fake.

6. Acetone Test

Dip the gemstone in acetone to see if the stones have been dyed. Authentic turquoise does not dissolve color into the solvent, but dyed stones often do release dye into the acetone.

7. Shine It Up to Light

Real turquoise gemstone is opaque. If you can see the light through the stone, it probably is not the real one.

8. Assess the Price

True turquoise is more expensive because it is a rare gem. If you find something that is suspiciously cheap there are chances it’s fake.

Read also: How To Tell If The Turquoise Stone Is Real Or Fake?

Common Counterfeits

Knowing some common fakes will also help you make identification:

• Howlite: A white mineral that is often dyed blue to pass as turquoise. It is softer, too, and less hard than the real turquoise.
• Magnesite: it is similar to the appearance but usually lighter and softer than the real one.
• Plastic or Resin: Often used in costume jewelry, they are the ones that have similar appearance but do not have the weight and feel of the real one.

Conclusion

It therefore means that to acquire true turquoise, one has to inspect and test. The fact you have gone by these rules and guidelines will ensure that you choose an authentic piece of art that expresses beauty and value in your collection.

You are either a fervent collector or just merely looking for a standalone piece of jewelry. Knowing the better ways to identify real turquoise will help you to enjoy shopping and appreciating this precious gemstone more.

This is all about how to identify genuine turquoise; a buyer’s guide.