Persian turquoise is a highly valued gemstone recognised for its rich blue-green hue, distinctive matrix design, and cultural importance. So what distinguishes Iranian turquoise, and why is it regarded as the most incredible turquoise in the world? There are several intriguing topics to investigate, ranging from its ancient history to its scarcity and great worth.

The history of Persian turquoise is as fascinating as the stone itself. This gemstone has been mined in Iran for over 5,000 years and has played a significant role in the country’s culture and economy. In ancient Persia, turquoise was believed to have protective and healing powers, and warriors wore it to bring them good luck in battle. The stone was also highly prized by royalty and aristocrats, who adorned their crowns, thrones, and palaces. Even today, Persian turquoise continues to be a symbol of luxury and sophistication, and it is sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Persian Turquoise: A Brief History

Persian (Iranian) turquoise has a rich and fascinating history that spans almost 2,000 years. The stone has been mined in Iran since ancient times and has played a significant part in Persian culture and history. The Persians believed that turquoise possessed protecting virtues and frequently adorned their swords, daggers, and other weapons with this precious stone.

Turquoise has been found in many parts of Iran, but the most famous mines are located in the northeast of the country, in the province of Khorasan. The mines in this region have been in operation for over 1,000 years and are still producing some of the finest turquoise in the world.

In ancient Persia, turquoise was highly prized for its beauty and protective properties. The Persians believed turquoise could ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm. They also felt the stone had healing properties and could cure headaches and stomach problems.

Turquoise was used extensively in Persian architecture and decorative arts. Some of the most famous examples of Persian turquoise can be seen in the intricate tile work of the mosques and palaces of Isfahan, Shiraz, and other ancient cities. The stone was also used to embellish jewellery, ornaments, and other decorative objects.

One of the most famous stories about Persian (Iranian) turquoise involves the legendary Persian hero Rustam. According to the story, Rustam was a great warrior who wore a suit of armour with turquoise. When he went into battle, the turquoise on his armour would glow, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies.

Today, Persian (Iranian) turquoise remains highly prized by collectors and jewellery designers worldwide. Its unique colour and beauty continue to inspire artists and artisans, and its rich history and cultural significance make it an exceptional stone. Whether you’re interested in the history of Persia or appreciate the beauty of fine jewellery, Persian turquoise is a stone sure to capture your imagination.

Persian Turquoise’s Quality

Persian turquoise is renowned for its exceptional quality and is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world. Various factors contribute to the high quality of Persian turquoise, including its colour, matrix, hardness, and naturalness.

One of the most critical factors determining the quality of Persian turquoise is its colour. The most valuable stones have a deep, vivid blue-green colour that is clear and continuous throughout the stone. Stones with a yellow or brownish tinge, or those with more green than blue, are considered lower grades. According to experts, the quality of Persian turquoise is determined by its colour; the more vibrant and intense the colour, the higher the price.

The matrix is another essential factor that contributes to the quality of Persian turquoise. The matrix is the pattern of veins and lines running through the stone, and it should have a distinct contrast between the turquoise and the matrix. The matrix is sometimes referred to as a spider-web pattern and should not be excessively thick or too thin. Stones with a thin or scarcely visible matrix are considered of poorer quality.

Persian turquoise’s hardness is another crucial component in judging its quality. High-quality stones should have a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, indicating that they are soft and readily scratched or damaged. However, this softness also gives the stone its distinct beauty and texture, which is highly desirable.

Naturalness is another key factor that contributes to the quality of Persian turquoise. Natural Persian turquoise is highly valued because of its rarity and unique beauty. However, due to the high demand for Persian turquoise, many stones are treated or enhanced to improve their colour and appearance. Treated or enhanced stones are generally of lower quality and value than natural stones.

In terms of popularity, the quality of Persian turquoise has made it a highly sought-after gemstone among collectors and jewellers worldwide. Its rich history, cultural significance, and scarcity have made it one of the most expensive gemstones in the world. According to experts, the demand for high-quality Persian turquoise is expected to continue to rise, making it a sound investment choice for collectors and investors.

Persian Turquoise’s Characteristics

Persian turquoise is an exceptional gemstone known for its vibrant blue-green hue, considered one of the most coveted and attractive colours in the world of gemstones. Its unique colour is due to the copper in the stone; the more copper there is, the bluer the stone will be. On the other hand, the presence of iron in the mineral makes the stone appear greener.

Persian turquoise holds a special place in history, as it has been mined in Iran for over 5,000 years. Throughout history, ancient Egyptians, Persians, and many other cultures highly prized the gemstone. Persian turquoise is also known for its distinctive matrix, the pattern of veins and lines that run through the stone. Iron in the mineral causes the matrix to form a web-like appearance, highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts. The matrix’s hue can range from light brown to black, and its quality is crucial in determining the stone’s worth.

The hardness of Persian turquoise is another distinguishing feature, with a Mohs hardness value of 5 to 6. This indicates that the stone is relatively soft and easily scratched or damaged. Despite this, if carefully cleaned and cared for, Persian turquoise can retain its shine and beauty.

Persian turquoise comes in various sizes and forms, with some stones being tiny and spherical while others being bigger and oblong. High-quality Persian turquoise stones, regardless of their size or form, are widely sought after for their beauty and uniqueness.

The beauty and rarity of Persian turquoise have made it a popular choice for jewellery and ornamental arts. It is commonly used in rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets and is highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. The gemstone’s cultural significance is also worth noting, as it is an integral part of Iranian art and culture. In Iran, turquoise is often used to decorate mosques, palaces, and other important buildings.

Persian turquoise is a unique and valuable gemstone prized for thousands of years. Its brilliant blue-green colour, distinctive matrix, and relative softness make it a highly sought-after gemstone for jewellery and ornamental arts. Its cultural significance also makes it an essential part of Iranian art and history.

Persian Turquoise: How to Get It

Obtaining genuine Persian turquoise might be difficult due to the abundance of imitations and lower-quality stones on the market. Here are a few pointers to help you know that you are purchasing genuine Persian turquoise:

Purchase from a reliable dealer: Buying from a respected dealer specialising in high-quality gemstones is one of the best methods to obtain authentic Persian turquoise. Seek sellers with a solid reputation who are open about the origin and quality of their stones.

Look for the correct colour and matrix: As previously said, colour and matrix are important in identifying the quality of Persian turquoise. Seek stones with a rich, brilliant blue-green hue and a well-defined matrix. Avoid stones that are excessively green or have a yellow or brownish hue.

Consider the source: If you shop for Persian turquoise, buy from a merchant that gets their stones straight from Iran. Be aware of sellers who claim to offer Persian turquoise but cannot give details on the stone’s provenance.

Beware of imitations: Sadly, the market offers many imitations and lower-quality stones, such as Persian turquoise. Be cautious of stones that are too flawless or consistent in colour or much less expensive than those of comparable grade.

Conclusion

At AmitisArt, we take great pride in providing our customers with natural Persian turquoise sourced directly from the Nishapur mine. We understand the value and significance of this beautiful gemstone, and we want to ensure that you receive only the highest quality product. When you purchase from us, you can be confident that you are getting a genuine article, carefully selected and verified for authenticity. We are committed to transparency and honesty in all our dealings, and we believe our dedication to quality has earned us a reputation as a trustworthy provider of Persian turquoise. So, if you want to add a genuine treasure to your collection, look no further than AmitisArt.

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Author: Sohrab Jamarani