Turquoise’s magnificent beauty and rich cultural heritage have captured people’s hearts and minds for millennia. Turquoise has always been treasured for its bright hues and unusual natural patterns, from ancient Egypt to the American Southwest. But did you know that turquoise comes in a variety of colors, ranging from sky blue to deep green, each with its own set of traits and properties? In this post, we will look at the many colors of turquoise, the natural marks that distinguish each stone, and how to care for your turquoise jewelry so that it lasts a lifetime. Prepare to enter the wonderful world of turquoise and explore the many tints that make it so appealing.
Color Variations
Turquoise is a copper and aluminum-based hydrated phosphate mineral. The stone’s hue and look may range from mild sky blue to deep green. The amount of copper and iron, as well as other minerals, determines the color of the stone. The best turquoise has a brilliant sky-blue hue with a matrix of brown or black veins running through it. Turquoise may also be found in green, yellow, and even purple hues.
1. Sky blue turquoise
Sky blue turquoise is the most well-known and sought-after turquoise color. This hue is often linked with the American Southwest, where turquoise has long been mined. The brilliant, dazzling hue of sky blue turquoise, which may vary from light, nearly white to deep, rich blue, is highly valued.
2. Green Turquoise
Green turquoise is a less common variation of the stone, yet it is no less stunning. Green turquoise might be mild, minty green, or deep, forest green. This turquoise color is often connected with Nevada mines, where some of the best green turquoises can be found.
3. Purple Turquoise
Purple turquoise is another uncommon form of stone. The presence of manganese in the stone’s mineral makeup causes this color. Purple turquoise ranges in color from mild lavender to rich royal purple.
Veining and the matrix
Natural marks in turquoise such as matrix and veining, may lend depth and character to a piece of jewelry. The presence of other minerals, such as iron, copper, or silver, causes these marks, which form patterns inside the stone.
The matrix is represented by the black lines or web-like patterns observed in turquoise. These lines appear naturally as a result of the surrounding rock in which the turquoise originated. The matrix, which may be black, brown, or even gold in color, can provide a one-of-a-kind touch to a piece of jewelry.
Veining resembles a matrix but is finer and more detailed. The passage of mineral-rich water through the stone causes these patterns, which may resemble spiderwebs or even tree branches. In the realm of turquoise jewelry, both matrix and veining are highly sought after as marks of authenticity and natural beauty.
Quality
When looking for turquoise jewelry, quality should be a top priority. High-quality turquoise is costly, but it is worthwhile to invest in a piece that will last a lifetime. There are various elements to consider while assessing the quality of turquoise jewelry.
The color is the first item to consider. A high-quality turquoise stone should be brilliant and vibrant, with a consistent hue throughout. The stone should not be dull or worn, and no discolorations or flaws should be present.
Another thing to think about is the matrix and veining. Although matrix and veining may give individuality to a piece of jewelry, they should not be overdone or distract from the stone’s overall beauty. The marks should be natural and complementary to the stone’s hue.
The stone’s cut and polish are other essential aspects in determining the quality of turquoise jewelry. A well-cut and polished stone will have a smooth surface and a brilliant, refracting luster. The stone should also be devoid of any chips or fissures that might jeopardize its structural integrity.
Turquoise Jewelry Care
The Mohs scale assigns a hardness value of 5-6 to turquoise, which indicates that it is a rather soft stone. This indicates that it is susceptible to being scraped or broken by other types of materials. Follow these easy procedures to ensure that your turquoise jewelry continues to sparkle and shine for as long as possible:
- Keep your turquoise jewelry out of the direct sunshine and in a cool, dry area while not in use. You should try to avoid keeping your jewelry in an atmosphere that is damp since doing so might cause the stone to get damaged or discolored.
- It is important to take care not to expose your turquoise jewelry to any harsh chemicals or cleaning agents. The stone, known as turquoise, is susceptible to damage from exposure to chemicals such as ammonia and bleach, which may result in the stone losing its color or even disintegrating over time.
- Use a gentle cleaning cloth on your turquoise jewelry to get it sparkling clean. Avoid using any items or brushes that contain abrasives since they might cause the stone to get scratched. In the event that your jewelry is especially grimy, you may clean it using a solution consisting of gentle soap and water.
- Always take care to protect your turquoise jewelry from exposure to unexpected temperature fluctuations as well as high temperatures. It is possible for turquoise to fracture or shatter if subjected to abrupt fluctuations in temperature. Turquoise is known to be heat sensitive.
Takeaway
Turquoise is a one-of-a-kind and stunning gemstone that has captivated humanity for thousands of years. Each piece of turquoise is a one-of-a-kind gem due to its wide variety of hues and natural characteristics. There is turquoise to suit every taste, whether you like the sky-blue tones of classic turquoise or the deep greens of Nevada turquoise.
AmitisArt is a highly recommended supplier for anyone seeking high-quality Persian turquoise. Persian turquoise is one of the rarest types of turquoise, making it very valuable to collectors and jewelry aficionados. AmitisArt’s Persian turquoise collection is stunning, with only the highest quality stones and masterfully made jewelry designs.