Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the oldest gems in jewelry. Its color, between sky blue and blue-green, is linked in many cultures with protection, sky and water.

Properties #

• Composition: hydrated copper aluminum phosphate; copper gives the blue and iron the green.
• Hardness: between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale.
• Look: sky blue to green, sometimes with a matrix (dark veins) of the host rock.
• Origins: Iran, the US Southwest, China, Egypt (Sinai) and Mexico.
• Treatments: usually stabilized with resin because it is porous; imitations exist.

Uses in jewelry #

• Navajo, Zuni and Hopi jewelry (see Southwest US silverwork).
• Rings, pendants and earrings, usually as cabochons.
• December jewelry (birthstone).

Pros and cons #

Advantages #

• A unique, symbolic color.
• Pairs very well with silver.
• Affordable.

Limitations #

• It is soft and porous: it absorbs oils and cosmetics.
• It can change color over time.
• Many imitations exist.

Care and cleaning #

• Avoid perfume, lotion, prolonged water and cleaning products.
• Clean only with a soft dry or barely damp cloth.
• Never put it in an ultrasonic cleaner.

See also #

• Navajo, Zuni and Hopi silverwork
• How to clean jewelry with gemstones
• Birthstones by month