Blue vs. Green Turquoise:
If you find yourself torn between captivating shades of green and blue in turquoise, rest assured that you’re not alone. Many gemstone enthusiasts grapple with this delightful dilemma. If you’re searching for the ideal turquoise jewellery or a thoughtful gift, this episode can guide you in selecting between blue and green turquoise. So, let’s explore the mesmerising world of turquoise together and find the perfect shade for you.
Green Turquoise
With its stunning array of hues, green turquoise is a beautiful stone that has fascinated people for centuries. However, the green shade of turquoise can exhibit captivating variations, influenced by the unique mineral compositions found within the rock formations of its mining sources; some mines produce turquoise with a vibrant, vivid green hue, while others may have a more muted or bluish-green tone. Therefore, it’s important to understand the source and characteristics of a turquoise stone when evaluating its quality and desirability. For instance, Egyptian turquoise was said to have been greener than Persian turquoise in ancient times.
The striking green colour in turquoise is formed when iron or zinc is present in the rock formations and mixed with the turquoise during its formation. However, it’s important to remember that other stones can be mistaken for green turquoise. For instance, variscite is often confused with green turquoise due to its similar colour ranges, but variscite is softer and doesn’t contain copper. Chrysocolla is another stone that can be confused with green turquoise. However, chrysocolla is typically much softer and more porous than turquoise and may have a more waxy lustre.
When purchasing green turquoise stones, it is crucial to ensure that you shop from a reputable jeweller or seek guidance from a professional gemologist. Authenticity can be a concern in the gemstone market, especially with turquoise, as synthetic and imitation materials attempt to mimic its appearance.
By relying on trustworthy sources and experts in the field, you can gain confidence in the authenticity of the green turquoise stone you are considering. They can also provide valuable insights, perform necessary tests, and offer expert advice to help you make an informed decision and acquire a genuine and high-quality gemstone. Nevertheless, with its unique beauty and rich history, green turquoise is a gemstone that will captivate and inspire anyone who appreciates its allure.
Blue Turquoise
While green turquoise may be more commonly found, blue turquoise is considered the most desirable and valuable. The unique blue colour in turquoise is due to copper in the stone, often mixed with other minerals such as aluminium, zinc, and iron.
The blue colour in turquoise results from the presence of copper in the stone, which can be mixed with other minerals to create unique hues.
Persian Turquoise:
The most famous and valuable type of blue turquoise is Persian turquoise, renowned for its bright blue colour and high quality, also called Persian blue. It has been mined in Nishapur, Iran, for thousands of years and is used in high-end jewellery. The colour is attributed to the abundant presence of copper in the surrounding soil where the turquoise is formed. The quality of Nishapur turquoise is also due to its hardness and durability, making it suitable for use in jewellery and other decorative objects.
Sleeping Beauty turquoise:
Sleeping Beauty turquoise, mined in Arizona, is also popular blue turquoise due to its clean, uniform appearance, sky-blue colour, and lack of matrix. However, the stone’s hardness is not of the highest quality and often requires stabilisation to enhance its durability. The Sleeping Beauty mine has been closed since 2012.
Bisbee turquoise:
Bisbee turquoise, also from Arizona, is known for its deep blue colour and distinctive spiderweb matrix. However, it is no longer in production and can only be found in limited quantities.
Lander Blue turquoise:
Lander Blue turquoise, mined in Nevada, is highly coveted for its vivid blue colour and intricate spiderweb matrix. However, its high demand has also attracted the attention of counterfeiters and forgers. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of potential fakes in the market and seek expert opinions when purchasing such rare stones.
Kingman turquoise:
Kingman turquoise, from Arizona, is known for its bright blue colour and range of matrix patterns. While Kingman turquoise is predominantly associated with shades of blue, it may also be found in green hues. However, remember that Kingman turquoise, even when stabilised, can be prone to fading over time, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight or harsh chemicals.
It should be noted that most American turquoise, regardless of its origin, requires stabilisation due to its low durability and porous nature.
Be Cautious When Shopping for Turquoise
Educating yourself on the different types of enhancements used in the industry can be beneficial when shopping for turquoise. These treatments range from simple dyeing to more complex procedures such as stabilisation, reconstitution, and composite. Unfortunately, many of these treatments can significantly alter the appearance and quality of the stone, making it difficult for the untrained eye to discern between a natural and a treated stone.
One common practice is to add dyes to low-quality stones to make them appear more valuable and desirable. These dyed stones can have a range of colours, from bright blues to vibrant greens and even deep purples. While these stones may look attractive, they are unnatural and have no value as gemstones. Therefore, it’s important to only purchase turquoise from reputable sources that disclose all treatments and enhancements used in the stone.
Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing between green and blue turquoise, it ultimately comes down to personal taste. While blue turquoise is generally considered to be more valuable and sought after, green turquoise can have its unique appeal and charm. For example, some contemporary jewellery designers actively seek green turquoise for its unique colour variations and interesting matrix patterns.
However, it’s important to remember that regardless of your preference, it’s crucial to research and purchase from reputable sources. Unfortunately, the turquoise market is rife with treated or enhanced stones not of high quality or value. Therefore, it’s essential to educate yourself about the origin and treatment of turquoise stone and to buy from trustworthy sources that can provide you with accurate information.
Whether you choose green or blue turquoise, you will surely appreciate the stone’s unique beauty and character. With its vivid hues and rich history, turquoise is a timeless gemstone that has captivated people for centuries. By taking the time to understand and appreciate this precious stone, you can be sure to make a wise and worthwhile investment in your jewellery collection.
Natural Persian Turquoise at Amitis Art
At Amitis Art, we are committed to authenticity and quality in turquoise jewellery. We understand the importance of providing our customers with genuine, natural turquoise stones free from enhancements or treatments. We source our stones directly from the Nishapur mine, known for producing the finest turquoise stones in the world.
Our dedication to natural turquoise extends beyond sourcing. We pride ourselves on the craftsmanship of our jewellery, where skilled artisans devote their time and expertise to create each piece. Our jewellery represents the beauty and uniqueness of natural turquoise, with each piece displaying the individual characteristics and colours of the stone.
We stand behind the authenticity and quality of our jewellery, and we want our customers to feel confident and satisfied with their purchases. We also offer worldwide shipping to ensure that anyone anywhere can enjoy the beauty of our natural turquoise.
Amitis Art is the leading reference for natural Persian turquoise stones worldwide. Our collection includes a wide range of shades, from light blue to dark green and beyond, all in their natural form, created by nature over millions of years. Our turquoise stones are known for being some of the hardest in the world, making them beautiful and durable. So, in the heart of a city or a remote corner of the world, we can provide you with stunning, natural Persian turquoise jewellery. To explore our entire collection, visit us at www.amitisart.net.
Turquoise Uncovered Podcast
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Author: Sohrab Jamarani
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