The price differences between natural turquoise and stabilised and reconstituted stones can be significant. Still, when buying jewellery, many buyers may not be aware of the stones’ quality or may not care. As a result, investing in jewellery with turquoise stones can be challenging, especially when distinguishing between genuine and imitation turquoise. This article provides valuable insights into identifying different types of turquoise with ease. You will learn how to differentiate between natural, stabilised, enhanced, and reconstituted turquoise, enabling you to make informed decisions when purchasing turquoise jewellery.

Natural Turquoise

Natural turquoise is highly valued because it is rare and possesses unique qualities that set it apart from stabilised or reconstituted turquoise. Unlike stabilised or reconstituted turquoise, natural turquoise is not treated with resins, dyes, or other chemicals to enhance its colour or hardness. Instead, natural turquoise is formed by a complex geological process over millions of years. It is created when water containing dissolved copper and aluminium seeps through rocks and fills cavities and fractures, forming the characteristic blue-green mineral.

The value of a turquoise stone largely depends on its rarity, determined by its ability to be extracted and polished without undergoing any treatments. Consequently, natural turquoise is scarce, highly sought after, and widely regarded as the most valuable.

One unique quality that sets Persian turquoise apart is its inherent hardness, allowing it to be cut and polished without additional stabilisation or treatments. This rarity and exceptional quality make Persian turquoise a highly prized gemstone.

Additionally, natural turquoise has been treasured and used in jewellery-making for centuries, making it a timeless and classic choice for any piece of jewellery. The organic origin and natural beauty of natural turquoise add a touch of elegance and sophistication that no artificial jewellery can replicate. Natural turquoise truly is a precious gemstone that is highly revered and cherished by collectors, designers, and jewellery enthusiasts alike.

It’s estimated that only 1% of all turquoise found worldwide is natural, emphasising just how rare and precious it is. As a result, natural turquoise can be pretty expensive, and it’s essential to be watchful before purchasing. Be sure to ask questions about treatments or enhancements and be wary of advertisements claiming to sell pure, untreated turquoise at low prices.

Stabilised Turquoise

Stabilisation is a common treatment for lower-quality or more porous turquoise stones prone to cracking or discolouration. The process involves impregnating the stone with a clear resin or plastic material, such as epoxy or acrylic, filling in gaps and reinforcing its structure. It can help make the turquoise more durable and damage-resistant, enhancing its colour and lustre.

After stabilisation, the turquoise can be cut, polished, and used in jewellery or other decorative items. While stabilised turquoise is not considered “natural,” it is widely used in the industry and can be more affordable than untreated, high-quality turquoise.

However, many individuals disapprove of the practice of stabilising turquoise. They argue that the process alters the stone’s natural properties, resulting in a product that is no longer authentic or genuine. Stabilised turquoise can also be seen as an attempt to artificially enhance the value of lower-quality or damaged stones, misleading consumers into believing they are purchasing a higher-quality product. Furthermore, some people believe that the chemicals used in stabilisation can harm human health and the environment. For these reasons, many purists prefer only to use natural, untreated turquoise, which they believe retains its inherent beauty and value without artificial manipulation.

Enhanced Turquoise

The term “enhanced turquoise” was initially used to describe turquoise that had undergone the Zachery process, an electrochemical treatment used to improve the colour and lustre of the stone, resulting in what is often referred to as “enhanced” turquoise. During this process, an electrical charge is applied to the turquoise, immersed in a solution of chemically and structurally identical minerals found in natural turquoise. The treatment results in a more concentrated colour, lower porosity, and increased hardness of the stone. Unfortunately, most Zachery-treated turquoise can be identified only through chemical analysis, most efficiently by EDXRF spectroscopy, as it contains significantly more potassium.

However, today, the term “enhanced turquoise” is broadly used to refer to treated turquoise. It is a fancy way of saying that the stone has undergone a treatment process to improve its appearance and durability. While it may seem like a good thing, enhanced turquoise can be misleading, and some sellers may use it to conceal the fact that the stone is not natural or has undergone significant treatment. The enhancements involve artificial materials added to the stone, such as resins, dyes, or stabilisers, which can significantly alter its properties and value. So, if you are looking for genuine and valuable turquoise, it’s best to avoid those labelled as “enhanced” and instead focus on natural stones with minimal treatments.

Reconstructed and Reconstituted Turquoise

The terms “reconstructed” and “reconstituted” are sometimes used interchangeably to describe a type of turquoise made by taking small pieces of natural turquoise, grinding them into a powder, and then mixing the powder with a binding agent, such as resin or epoxy. However, there is a subtle difference between the two terms.

“Reconstructed” typically refers to a process in which natural turquoise is pulverised and mixed with other materials, such as plastic or metal particles, to create a composite material. This material is then moulded into various shapes and sizes, often to imitate other gemstones. The resulting material may be called “reconstructed turquoise,” but it is not made solely from natural turquoise.

“Reconstituted,” on the other hand, usually refers to a process in which natural turquoise powder is mixed with a binding agent to create a solid material that can be carved or shaped into various forms. The resulting material is still composed of natural turquoise, but it does not have the same quality or rarity as untreated, high-quality turquoise.

Although both reconstituted and reconstituted turquoise stones are unnatural and lack the same value and rarity as untreated, high-quality turquoise, they can be an affordable alternative for those who want the look of turquoise without the high cost associated with natural stones. However, they are a much less desirable choice for serious collectors and jewellery makers.

Natural, Stabilised and Reconstituted

The value of an item is often determined by its rarity, and this is no different when it comes to turquoise. The natural form of turquoise, known as “Gem quality,” is highly sought-after because it can be fashioned into jewellery without needing stabilisation or enhancement. Nishapur turquoise, a hard stone known for its natural stability and durability, is a prime example. The minerals of Nishapur turquoise were formed in copper-rich rocks that underwent intense, prolonged pressure and heat during their formation. This process caused the turquoise to be infused with copper and iron, which gives it its unique hardness. Therefore, unlike many American and Chinese turquoise stones, Nishapur turquoise requires no stabilisation processes to enhance its quality.

A Natural Piece of Persian Turquoise from Amitis Art

Amitis Art sets itself apart by providing the rare opportunity to purchase superior-quality natural turquoise that hasn’t been treated or stabilised. Our turquoise is directly sourced from the legendary Nishapur mine, renowned for producing some of the world’s hardest and most durable turquoise stones. We take immense pride in offering our customers only the best natural Persian turquoise. To explore our exquisite jewellery collection, visit our website at www.amitisart.net

Turquoise Uncovered Podcast

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Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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