Have you ever seen someone wearing a bluish-green stone that drew your attention so much that you couldn’t take your gaze away from them? If so, the stone was almost undoubtedly turquoise.
Isn’t it strange that some people spend hundreds of dollars on a stone? How much of a return can you expect from your investment in turquoise? Although turquoise is a valuable gemstone, not all turquoise jewellery has the same value. Most so-called “turquoise” jewellery is made of synthetic or highly treated materials, increasing the value of genuine pieces even more. So, how is the worth of a turquoise stone determined?
Before we get there, let’s learn more about turquoise:

What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a copper and aluminium-rich phosphate mineral with various properties valued for millennia. Turquoise deposits form in specific geological conditions, and those conditions are not common in many parts of the world.
Due to its scarcity and distinctive colour, turquoise has been sold at exceptionally high prices for centuries.
Turquoise is one of the first jewels ever discovered, mined, and brought to the market. Because of the wide range of quality, turquoise stone can be priced anything from $0.05 to $1,000. Unfortunately, this wide price range shows how many fake stones are in the turquoise market.

Why is Natural Turquoise Expensive?

Turquoise is considered a semi-precious stone. People enjoy collecting and wearing expensive stones, whether or not they are their birthstones. Some may regard them as a symbol of social position, while others wear them for their aesthetic appeal. However, most turquoise on the market is suspect in terms of authenticity and value. Genuine turquoise is usually cloudy blue or green with black or brown veins. But the fakes sold in stores are generally pure blue and lack vibrancy.

Natural and genuine turquoise is extremely expensive because it is rare in high grades. As a result, 90% of the ones you see on the market daily are fake.
As mentioned, the Turquoise value is between $0.05 and $1,000 per carat, depending on its origin, colour, purity and hardness; one pound of a natural, hard and pure Persian blue turquoise stone would cost more than two million dollars.

Factors for Turquoise Value

A few key factors can determine the actual value of turquoise include:

1. Colour

The colour of turquoise is one of the most crucial factors in determining its value. Persian blue turquoise is unquestionably the most valuable turquoise colour. It has a consistent, intense, and well-balanced blue hue. It is also known as “robin egg blue” or “sky blue” in the trade. The primary source of this colour is the district of Nishapur in Iran.

2. Rarity

Rare or unusual types of turquoise, such as spiderweb turquoise or turquoise with unique colouration, can also be more valuable. The scarcity of turquoise contributes significantly to its value. Due to exhausted and limited mines, genuine turquoise jewellery is so precious.
If a turquoise mine closes unexpectedly, the value of turquoise from that mine will skyrocket.
There have been countless cases where mines have shut down due to a lack of turquoise.
Persian turquoise is considered one of the rarest and most valuable turquoise in the world. It is also in high demand by Iranians who appreciate high-quality natural turquoise without treatment.

It is only found in certain mines in Iran, including those near the city of Nishapur. These mines have been producing turquoise for thousands of years.
Another example is Lander Blue turquoise from the Lander County, Nevada mine. It is a scarce type of turquoise known for its spiderweb pattern. Due to the mine’s limited capacity, only about a hundred pounds of this stone were ever extracted; only one carat of genuine Lander Blue turquoise costs between $400 and $600.
“Bisbee”, “Kingman”, and “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise stones are also of good quality among other American turquoise stones. However, the majority of them are stabilised.

3. Hardness

Turquoise is highly fragile in its natural state. Even the finest turquoise reaches a maximum Mohs hardness of 6, slightly harder than regular glass. As a result, most turquoise stones are treated or stabilised before being used.

Regarding hardness, only a tiny percentage of turquoise is considered high-grade. The hardest turquoise stones are found in mines in Iran, specifically in Nishapur. For thousands of years, these mines have produced turquoise, known for its beautiful blue-green colour and durability. That region still produces a significant amount of high-quality turquoise.

While Nishapur in Iran is still recognised as the most important source of turquoise due to its high quality and historical renown, the majority of turquoise on the market is now mined in the United States and China, which is of low quality and requires heavy treatment or stabilisation. Remember that natural untreated stones are generally much more valuable than treated ones.

4. Purity

Purity is determined by hardness and colour. The most valuable turquoise stones are hard enough to be cut without stabilisation. They have a smooth, solid colour with no matrix lines running through them, accounting for only a tiny percentage of all turquoise mined.
Other factors that affect turquoise value include:

5. Matrix

The matrix, or the web-like pattern in some turquoise, can also affect its value. Some collectors prefer matrix-free turquoise, while others appreciate the unique patterns and character a matrix can add to a stone. However, turquoise with no matrix (smooth or Ajami) is much more prevalent in Iran and is traded at a higher price.

6. Size

Larger stones are generally more valuable than smaller ones because larger stones are rarer and more difficult to find. They also allow for more versatility in jewellery design. When a larger turquoise stone is used in jewellery, it can be the centrepiece and significantly impact the overall design. On the other hand, smaller stones may be used as accent stones1 and are often less noticeable.

In addition, the size of a turquoise stone can also affect its weight and density, which can impact its durability and quality. Larger stones are often denser and more durable, and they may have fewer fractures or other imperfections that can affect their value.
However, it’s worth noting that size is just one factor to consider when evaluating the quality and value of a turquoise stone.

7. Origin

Last but certainly not least, the origin of the turquoise stone holds significant importance; knowing the origin of a turquoise stone can provide important information about its quality, rarity, and value, making it an essential factor to consider when evaluating turquoise. For example, turquoise from certain mines, such as those mined in Iran, is highly prized and can be expensive.

Natural Persian Turquoise by Amitis Art

Persian turquoise, also known as Iranian turquoise, has been highly valued in the world for several reasons:

First, it has a unique and beautiful colour, ranging from bright Blue to greenish-blue, often with a matrix that creates a unique pattern. Collectors and jewellery designers highly seek this colour and matrix.

Second, Persian turquoise is known for its hardness and durability, essential for its use in jewellery and decorative objects.

Third, Persian turquoise’s history and cultural significance add to its value. Iran has a long tradition of producing high-quality turquoise, dating back thousands of years, and it has been used in various ways in Iranian art and architecture. The stone is also considered symbolic and spiritual significance in Iranian culture.

Finally, the supply of Persian turquoise is limited due to the strict regulations imposed by the Iranian government to protect the country’s cultural heritage. The government has also limited the amount of turquoise that can be exported, limiting the supply of Persian turquoise in the global market. This rarity adds to its value and makes it a highly sought-after gemstone.

Amitis Art is proud to offer this mystical stone to the world. Visit our website at www.amitisart.net to see our turquoise jewellery collection from the world-famous Nishapur mine.

Turquoise Uncovered Podcast

We are excited to offer an alternative way to experience our blog posts. If you prefer listening over reading, you can access an audio version of this blog post on the Turquoise Uncovered Podcast.

Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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