With the depleting turquoise sources there have been many turquoise sellers that have turned to less than honest means of selling their turquoise. There are many types of stone that are sold as fake turquoise, make sure you know how to tell the fakes from the real.
For thousands of years turquoise has been mined and sought after. Worn by kings and warriors, talismans and new age healers, this gem has long been a coveted jewel. But after its long and illustrious history the turquoise gem deposits are running low. Because of the rarity, some unscrupulous turquoise jewelers turn to less honest means of selling their jewelry. Some turquoise dealers can even make the honest mistake of mistaking less than high quality turquoise for the real thing. Because of this, you need to know how you can make sure you are getting the real deal.
First it’s good to know what kind of fakes are out there. High grade natural turquoise is the highest quality turquoise and is beginning to become more rare. The fakes come in many forms. Enhanced turquoise is still medium grade turquoise that just needs to be treated by a process that hardens the stone. Color enhanced turquoise has been treated with dyes. Reconstituted turquoise is made from bits and pieces and turquoise chalk mixed with dye and a binder.
Some ways to sniff out fake turquoise is to ask where it comes from. The best turquoise comes from China, Iran, and the Southwest. Check for matrix, though not all real turquoise has matrix it is a good indication that it is real. The price of real turquoise will be higher.
A more involved method is to use a refractometer. The refractive index (RI) of turquoise is much higher than those of fake stones that are often passed off as turquoise. For example the RI of turquoise is 1.61-1.65 while the refractive index of Amazonite, a blue stone often used in place of turquoise, is 1.52-1.53. Variscite also has a lower RI, but another way to detect Variscite is by using a color filter. When viewed through a color filter the variscite will look slightly pink while true turquoise will not change color.
Though these are some ways to tell if you are getting the real natural turquoise, the best way is to buy from a reputable and trusted dealer that will give you a certification of the authenticity of the turquoise when you buy it.
Welcome Back To The Mines!
Welcome back as we discuss more of the turquoise mines owned and operated by the Otteson Family. Most of these mines are located near Tonopah Nevada.
Keep Turquoise In Top Condition
Turquoise is a fragile gem and needs to be cared for properly. This article goes into the details on how to care for your turquoise jewelry.
Meet The Turquoise Mines!
Turquoise jewelry has long been sought after by the rich and powerful, merchants, warriors, and kings. But where does it come from? Here we discover where this varied stone originates.
