Turquoise Stone Properties, History, and Meaning

Turquoise Stone Information

Among gemstones, the turquoise stone is a natural phosphate mineral prized for its striking blue to blue-green colour, often marked by unique veining that makes each piece feel special. Turquoise has captivated cultures for millennia due to its beauty, symbolism, and unique properties. This guide is for jewelry lovers, collectors, and anyone interested in learning about turquoise stone.

For jewelry lovers, gift shoppers, and anyone drawn to unique handmade pieces with natural gemstones, understanding turquoise helps you appreciate its history, meaning, and authenticity before you buy. If you’re wondering, “What is turquoise?” here’s what you need to know about turquoise properties, colour variations, history, where it comes from, how it’s used in jewelry, which stones look similar, and how to spot fake turquoise.

Properties of Natural Turquoise

Formation and Composition

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. In a technical sense, turquoise isn’t a gemstone. Instead, it’s a phosphate mineral—a type of mineral that contains the phosphate ion (PO4)3−, often combined with metals. Additionally, it’s generally classified as a secondary mineral, as it’s formed through the oxidation and decomposition of other minerals. For example, in the American Southwest, the decomposition of copper sulphide near potassium-feldspar-containing deposits can potentially lead to turquoise.

Physical Characteristics

Natural turquoise is porous, so it often requires stabilization and impregnation to improve the durability and appearance of turquoise products. Overall, raw turquoise is cryptocrystalline—meaning there are no visible particles—and massive in form. Additionally, it’s often botryoidal, with small domed protrusions that resemble a bunch of grapes. There’s also distinctive veining on most samples, though some may have more than others.

Turquoise stones that are used for jewelry, carvings, or collector’s pieces are usually opaque. However, it can also be translucent in some cases. As for the lustre, it ranges from earthy and dull to sub-vitreous, which means there is a slight but not fully glassy shine. Because some treated material can be sensitive, avoid heat and solvents when caring for it.

Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it a moderately soft stone. However, Persian turquoise is harder. Fine-quality turquoise is generally harder and therefore more durable than lower-quality material, though in some cases it deviates by up to three classifications, and that degree of difference isn’t always present.

Chinese Turquoise

If you’re wondering, “What is Chinese turquoise, and is it different from other types of turquoise?” the answer is that the stones are highly similar. Copper also plays a big role in forming Chinese turquoise, and it is typically found in similar shapes and structures. It’s typically opaque, with a waxy lustre and comparable patterning. However, slight differences in overall chemical composition can occur, but not enough to keep it from being considered turquoise.

Now that you know the properties and formation of turquoise, let’s explore the beautiful range of colours and patterns this stone offers.

Turquoise Colour

Colour Variations

Turquoise ranges from blue to green shades, and the most prized colour is an intense medium blue. While it may come as a surprise, turquoise doesn’t come in just one colour. The most commonly associated hue is typically a vibrant sky blue colour that leans slightly green. However, some specimens may be deep blue or darker or lighter. Additionally, some may exhibit more or less blue and green together than others. Blue-green turquoise may also have a tinge of brown, making it look earthier, much like other delicate blue-green minerals such as aurichalcite.

Matrix Patterns

The veining—also called the matrix—can vary, and colour consistency can affect desirability just as much as matrix patterning. Some may seem black, while others look gray. Brown veining—ranging from dark to light—is fairly common, particularly in certain mines in the American Southwest. In some cases, the matrix may even appear dark blue or deep green.

The shape and amount of matrix patterns can also vary. One of the most sought-after varieties is spiderweb turquoise, with a matrix that resembles a spider web. However, other matrixes are also popular for a variety of reasons tied to their overall colour and character.

Notable Mines and Colours

The Kingman mine in Arizona is associated with a rare matrix colour. Along with black matrix veining, some stones have a silver matrix, which is considered highly desirable and very collectible.

One of Persian turquoise's defining characteristics is a lack of webbing, or very little of it. Instead, the smooth surface of the stone is almost solely a robin’s egg blue, though there might be some slight mottling across the surface. The 'Persian blue' colour indicates the presence of little vanadium and no iron in the stones.

The colouring differs slightly in Lander Blue turquoise. The primary hue is usually deep and dark, with an iridescent quality. The webbing is lighter and brighter, typically being closer to a mid-toned blue.

Now that we've explored the colour variations and matrix patterns, let's look at turquoise's rich history.

The History of Turquoise

While turquoise is most commonly associated with the American Southwest, particularly the Nevada mines, it’s actually said that it was discovered – in a formal, scientific sense – in Iran. Turquoise stones from Iran were sent to Europe via Turkey during the 13th century. As a result, the gem’s name was derived from “turques” or “turquois,” which means “Turkish” in French.

However, turquoise gems have a history that dates back much further than that discovery. In Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), turquoise beads date to about 5000 BCE. Egyptian tombs from around 3000 BCE have revealed turquoise jewelry. There’s also a mention of turquoise in the Bible.

Persian turquoise specifically also has a long history. Many believe it’s been mined since around 2100 BC, as it’s found in jewelry pieces dating back thousands of years. However, pinning down the exact timeline is challenging because other types of turquoise that don’t have all the characteristics of Persian turquoise are also found in the area. Fine turquoise with no visible inclusions and a fine colour is highly sought after worldwide, especially from known origins like Iran.

Additionally, many North and South American populations used turquoise. Artifacts from the Aztecs and Mayans have included turquoise. Turquoise also held a prominent place in many Native American cultures for more than a millennium before Europeans named the stone. Many ancient cultures also wore it as a protective talisman.

Native American jewelry featuring silver and turquoise—as we know it today—is believed to have originated in the 1880s. According to the story, a European trader asked a Navajo craftsperson to take a silver coin and use the metal to create turquoise jewelry.

Lander Blue turquoise mining has a significantly shorter history. The Lander Blue mine opened in 1973. It was a very small operation, and a mere 110 pounds of Lander Blue turquoise was unearthed. As a result, it’s one of the rarest and most valuable versions of the stone, and many people don’t recommend buying it without a verifiable certificate of authenticity.

With this historical background, let’s discover where turquoise is found and how it is mined today.

Where Is Turquoise Found?

Turquoise Mining Locations

Most turquoise mines are located in the United States. The best-known are in Arizona. Nevada also has notable turquoise mines, as do New Mexico and other locations throughout the American Southwest.

However, a significant number of American turquoise mines aren’t currently producing. In some cases, that drives up the value of rare turquoise specimens from those regions. For example, Bisbee turquoise is rare since the mine shut down in 1975. Plus, it’s beautiful, making it incredibly collectible.

The Sleeping Beauty mine produced another highly sought-after turquoise: a stunning robin’s egg blue gem and one of the most valuable turquoise gemstones on the market.

Global Sources

Other places produce turquoise in varying quantities. Turquoise was first discovered in Iran. Some magnificent specimens have also been unearthed in Portugal, Belgium, Afghanistan, Russia, Peru, and Tibet, and designers worldwide seek high-quality material from these regions. States outside of the American Southwest, including eastern states like Virginia, can also have turquoise deposits.

Another source of turquoise is China. However, many people believe most Chinese turquoise is fake. The answer to the question, “Is Chinese turquoise real turquoise?” isn’t always simple.

Chinese Turquoise Authenticity

Legitimate stones come from Chinese turquoise mines. One prime example is Hubei turquoise from mines in Hubei. Other Chinese turquoise mines in Ma’anshan are also authentic.

However, while China has turquoise mines, not all turquoise produced there is legitimate. For example, some fake turquoise is actually dyed howlite. In some cases, the faux turquoise is actually plastic, resin, or epoxy that’s been dyed and cast to look like genuine turquoise.

These reproductions give Chinese turquoise a bad reputation. However, some are authentic, so buyers should research whether a stone is genuine before buying.

Additionally, reconstituted turquoise is a mixture of ground natural turquoise and plastic or other materials, and debate continues over whether to classify it as a synthetic, a hybrid gem, or a simulant.

Persian turquoise comes from mines in modern-day Iran. Lander Blue turquoise gems originate from a single mine in Lander County, Nevada.

Now that you know where turquoise is found, let’s explore how it is used in jewelry and what makes turquoise jewelry so special.

Turquoise Jewelry

In many cases, turquoise jewelry is incredibly easy to find. While each stone can look different—which typically makes it ill-suited for mass production—its broad popularity means you can find pieces from a range of retailers.

Skin oils can easily darken the colour of turquoise gems, so clean turquoise jewelry with warm, soapy water only and protect it from cosmetic residues. Avoid high heat, as it can discolour turquoise.

Some chain jeweler collections carry turquoise jewelry, as do many department stores. It’s also a favourite gem among many independent designers. Some buyers prefer businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and eco-friendly sourcing procedures. Supporting women-owned small businesses can also align with ethical jewelry values. As a result, most people interested in buying turquoise jewelry can find options easily.

Shop our Turquoise Jewelry Collection

Due to the gem’s characteristics, turquoise cabochons are incredibly popular for turquoise jewelry, especially in pendants and rings. You can also find tumbled stones, which can highlight turquoise matrix patterns and hold a decent polish while maintaining an organic shape. Plus, turquoise beads are widely used for strand necklaces and bracelets, rounding out a versatile jewelry selection, and often make their way onto pendulums.

Now that you understand turquoise jewelry, let’s move on to the deeper meanings and symbolism associated with this captivating stone.

Turquoise Meaning

As with most other gems, the meaning of turquoise varies depending on a person's belief system. First, turquoise is a December birthstone that can hold special meaning for anyone born in that month.

Beyond its birthstone association, many feel the meaning of turquoise centers on peace and protection. Many ancient cultures also wore it as a protective talisman. It's considered a calming and grounding stone, which some believe is ideal for anyone who feels overwhelmed or anxious.

Others think turquoise's metaphysical properties center on a stronger connection between heaven and Earth, making it a solid choice for deepening one's spiritual connections. The gem's colouring—which can resemble a bright blue sky—may partly explain this association, and many people pair it with water element crystals for emotional balance.

Still, others believe turquoise's benefits focus on preventing energy stagnation. In that case, it's said to improve flow and vitality. The turquoise spiritual meaning is also connected to luck, good fortune, and wisdom, so it’s often combined with calming crystals for peace and serenity.

When it comes to the chakras, turquoise meaning and uses are connected to the throat and third eye, depending on the stone's colour.

As for the turquoise healing properties, some believe it helps reduce inflammation, respiratory system issues, or physical heart ailments. Others think it's a detoxifying stone or that it can assist with achieving mental and emotional balance. Similar beliefs surround other spiritual stones like purpurite and its healing properties. However, no scientific evidence shows that any stone can prevent or treat medical issues, so it shouldn't replace legitimate medical care from a healthcare professional.

Now that you know the meaning and symbolism of turquoise, it’s easy to see why many people love it for its symbolism and striking appearance; let’s compare it to other stones sometimes mistaken for Persian turquoise.

Hard-to-Find Stones Similar to Persian Turquoise

Here are some stones that share characteristics with natural turquoise. However, most potential substitutes fall short in key areas, so they're not strong stand-ins.

• Chrysocolla: May resemble turquoise, though it can come in colours and patterns that make it appear more like other stones, such as malachite.

• Shattuckite: Some pieces look somewhat like turquoise, but shattuckite is incredibly rare and harder to work with, often making it more expensive than the genuine article.

• Blue Jadeite: At times, specific pieces of blue jadeite might resemble turquoise, though it's commonly more translucent and has a different structure.

• Larimar: Can come in pale blue hues that aren't unlike what you may find in turquoise. However, the stone often has a notable amount of white and lacks veining.

• Smithsonite: Also a vibrant light blue, but it features a significant amount of white, and its rarity makes it incredibly expensive; smithsonite’s unique properties and uses also make it highly desirable to mineral collectors.

• Hemimorphite: In raw form, hemimorphite and turquoise share a lot in common. Hemimorphite can have a striking greenish blue hue and is often botryoidal. However, hemimorphite is translucent to transparent and has a more glass-like lustre. If hemimorphite is cut and faceted, the resemblance is typically no longer there, especially since any vibrant colour may not remain and the translucent to transparent clarity is more apparent. Some samples turned into cabochons or beads may retain some likeness, but in many cases, they are more likely to resemble larimar or smithsonite because of white areas and a lack of distinct veining.

• Dyed Howlite: As mentioned previously, dyed howlite can resemble genuine turquoise. While the colouring is artificial—as Howlite is naturally white or light gray with dark gray or black veins—it is an option worth considering if you need to keep costs down.

With these alternatives in mind, let’s learn how to identify genuine turquoise and avoid imitations.

How to Spot Fake Turquoise

Knowing how to spot fake turquoise is essential to ensure you're getting the real deal. Usually, you'll want to check a few factors. If you're unsure whether a stone is natural, treated, or imitation, buying from a qualified jeweller can help. Natural colour variations in turquoise make it hard to spot fakes by appearance alone.

If you have questions about whether a stone is natural, treated, or imitation, ask a qualified jeweller before you buy.

Use this checklist to help identify fake turquoise:

• Examine the stone's veins and cracks: If you see blue colouring piling up, that's a sign of a fake.

• Check for painted cracks: If you see cracks but can't feel them, they may be painted on—a red flag.

• Look for white spots: Any white spots indicate it's not real turquoise.

• Inspect for conchoidal fracturing: Around the holes of beads, this indicates the beads are glass.

• Watch for repeating patterns or glassy lustre: These are red flags that it may be fake.

• Consider the price: Real turquoise isn't cheap. If the price seems too low, the gemstones may be synthetic.

• Assess the weight and feel: Plastic or resin faux turquoise stones are lighter than genuine turquoise. If the stone feels warm when you pick it up, it may be fake.

• Scratch test: Howlite is often dyed to look like turquoise and scratches easily. However, because this test can damage the gem, do it only on stones you own.

• Request documentation for rare stones: For Lander Blue or high-value turquoise, ask for a verifiable certificate of authenticity.

• Professional examination: For Persian turquoise or stones with little veining, professional evaluation may be necessary, especially for turquoise rings or other closely set jewelry.

By following these tips, you can confidently identify genuine turquoise and make informed purchases.