When shop
ping for turquoise there are some important things to know about the different types that are on the market:
1. Natural turquoise is dense and of a such quality that it is simply mined, cut, polished and set into a piece of jewelry. It requires no treatments to achieve superior color or hardness. It will have a much more substantial feel and weight in your hand as compared to lesser quality turquoise. Less than 3% of all turquoise on the market is natural.
2. Stabilized turquoise is soft or ‘chalk turquoise’ that has been infused with a clear epoxy resin. The resin, under pressure, is absorbed into the rock and permanently hardens and deepens its color. Unlike natural turquoise which deepens in color over time by gradually absorbing oils from the skin as it is worn, the colors of stabilized turquoise will remain unchanged. Much of the turquoise on the market today is stabilized and should not cost as much as natural, but it is still quite beautiful and a good purchase.
3. Treated turquoise is soft or ‘chalk turquoise’ that has been stabilized as described above, but with a dyed resin to also enhance the stone’s color. Prices for treated turquoise should be considerably less than either natural or stabilized.
4. Reconstituted turquoise is turquoise chalk that has been ground into powder, saturated with dyed epoxy resin, and pressed into blocks or cakes that are cut into popular shapes and cabochons for jewelry. This type of turquoise should be very inexpensive.
5. Imitation turquoise is usually comprised of howlite, a common white stone that is very porous and is easily infused with dyed epoxy to resemble turquoise. Imitation turquoise has little intrinsic value.
Unfortunately, treated, reconstituted and imitation turquoise can be made to look remarkably like the natural stone. So it’s always advisable to shop for your turquoise jewelry through a reputable dealer who can offer you documented proof of your turquoise stone’s origin and makeup.
