For several centuries turquoise has been the number one choice of jewelry lovers. One of the main reasons for that is its beautiful blue-green colors. Nevertheless, the market is so filled with fakes that it is very difficult to find the real turquoise. Knowing the differences between real and fake turquoise will help you keep your money safe. A real turquoise stone has features that a fake cannot have.
Understanding Authentic Turquoise Characteristics
Natural turquoise exhibits various traits. The stone has some natural veining that is called matrix. These web-like patterns can be of a brown, a black, or a gold color. Every real turquoise has some unique markings. Not a single one of the two is identical.
The colors go from the blue of the sky to the greenish hues. Real ones even though slightly waxy seem to be natural. The surface is there with its imperfections. The weight is also very important – real turquoise is heavy. In contrast, plastic fakes are much lighter.
Common Fake Turquoise Types
There are several turquoise look-alikes in the market. How lite is mostly dyed blue. Plastic and resin are very commonly used by the producers. Those who want to deceive the customers use glass as a perfect imitation of turquoise. Magnesite is a regularly dyed material.
None of these products have matrix patterns because they are all fake. They all have consistent colors. The color mixture is always found in the little cracks of the product. Sometimes chemical odors can be detected from fakes. Plastics can be easily revealed if a heat test is applied to them.
Testing Methods for Real Turquoise Stone
There are several ways of verifying the authenticity of the turquoise. One of them is by acetone being used to remove the dye. You should be gentle with your cotton and do not overuse the acetone. The blue color shows that the piece has been treated. A hot needle test is used for plastics. When the material is burnt, it melts and the smell is irritant.
Look at the gemstone with a magnifying glass. Under magnification, nature is more crystalline. Fakes show the same pattern even under the magnifier. Also, be very careful with your money. Extremely cheap turquoise should make you skeptical. Good quality turquoise is not that cheap and it is worth its price.
Turquoise Gemstone Care Essentials
By appropriate care, one prolongs the time of his/her stone’s beauty.
It is best if turquoise gemstone care is done humbly and with respect to the stone. Its hardness, which is measured by 5-6 points on different scales, is very low. The stone can be easily scratched if you are not careful with it.
You should shield the stone from water. Turquoise is a porous stone which has the ability to absorb almost anything. The surface is being damaged by oils and lotions. Take off the jewelry before washing your hands. Also, be sure that you keep your jewelry separate from the rest and, of course, in a soft cloth. This way you are certain it won’t be scratched by the other pieces.
When cleaning, use only soft and dry fabric. The use of ultrasonic cleaners is not recommended. The stone also can be irreversibly harmed by chemical cleaners. Also, perfumes and hairsprays have a deteriorating effect on turquoise. Do not apply cosmetics when you are already wearing the jewelry.
Professional Polishing Techniques
Use a turquoise polishing guide to keep shine. Begin work with soft buffing fabrics. Only use non-abrasive materials. Metal polishing powder can be used for restoration. When polishing, do not apply more than a few pressures.
Professional jewelers undertake the full-scale restoration. Besides that, they use special equipment in a safe manner. Excessive polishing over time gradually makes the stone thinner. In general, one professional cleaning per year is enough. The exterior of the stone can be kept by periodically wiping it with a soft cloth.
Shopping for Quality Gemstones
The first step in finding good quality gemstones for sale is to research thoroughly. Certified dealers are the ones that issue the certificates. They also give explanations regarding the source. Inquire about the treatments and enhancements. By impregnation, for instance, a stone may be better stabilized.
Pure and completely untreated turquoise will definitely be more expensive than others. On the other hand, there is always the choice of purchasing an enhanced gemstone at a lower price. Both have valid markets. Disclosure is the feature that separates the good from the bad sellers. Before you buy anything from an online store, you should always check reviews.
Comparing several vendors will help you decide on a reasonable price. Be sure to examine their return policies thoroughly. Great pictures will show the quality of the product. If necessary, ask for even more photos. Communication will be the channel through which you will build trust.
Do you want to buy other nice gems? View our inventory of rhodochrosite for sale.
Investment Value Considerations
Authentic turquoise will gain more value with time. These two types of turquoise, Persian and Sleeping Beauty, are usually sold at higher prices. Turquoise mined from closed locations will become more valuable over time. The value of your portfolio will grow if it is made up of pieces that are not only rare but are also fully authenticated.
Proof of authenticity when resale is done through the documentation. Store certificates in a location that is both secure and accessible. Take pictures of your collection on a regular basis. The need for insurance arises when an investment is significant. Good turquoise always stays in style.
Realizing the differences between real and fake turquoise is what determines purchasing power. After acquiring relevant knowledge, you will be able to pick authentic gems only. The collection that you are building will be a source of happiness for your descendants.
