How to Identify Real Turquoise: A Comprehensive Guide
Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, has captivated humans for millennia. But with its popularity comes a surge in imitations and treatments. Knowing how to identify real turquoise is crucial whether you're a seasoned collector, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply looking to make an informed purchase. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of authenticating this precious gemstone.
What are the Different Types of Turquoise?
Before diving into identification techniques, it's important to understand that turquoise itself varies considerably. The color, veining, and hardness can differ significantly depending on its origin. Some common types include:
- Persian Turquoise (Iranian): Known for its vibrant, intense blue color and often high value.
- Tibetan Turquoise: Typically exhibits a more greenish hue and often contains matrix (inclusions of other minerals).
- American Turquoise (Nevada, Arizona, etc.): Displays a wide range of colors and matrix patterns, ranging from deep blues to greenish-blues.
- Sleeping Beauty Turquoise (Arizona): A highly sought-after variety known for its intense blue color and minimal matrix.
These variations mean that no single test definitively identifies all turquoise as genuine, but a combination of methods provides a highly accurate assessment.
How Can I Tell if My Turquoise is Real? (The Most Common Question)
This question encompasses several key aspects of turquoise identification. Let's break down the most effective methods:
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Visual Inspection: Look closely at the stone's color and matrix. Real turquoise often displays subtle variations in color and may have natural veining or matrix inclusions (spiderweb-like patterns). Perfectly uniform color should raise suspicion. Examine the stone under different lighting conditions.
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Hardness Test: Turquoise is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 5-6. A simple scratch test (carefully scratching the stone with a steel knife) can be helpful, but be cautious as this method can damage the stone. It's advisable to use a hardness tester for a more accurate and safe method.
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Feel and Weight: Real turquoise typically feels cool to the touch. Compare the weight of your suspected turquoise with a known genuine sample; fake turquoise is often lighter.
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Streak Test: Rub the stone on an unglazed porcelain tile. Real turquoise will leave a pale greenish-white streak.
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Water Absorption Test: Authentic turquoise will absorb a small amount of water, becoming slightly darker. This test must be performed carefully as excessive water can damage the stone.
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UV Fluorescence: Some turquoise fluoresces under UV light. This test is not definitive, as some turquoise doesn't fluoresce and some fakes may too.
What are the Common Imitations of Turquoise?
Several materials are frequently used to imitate turquoise, including:
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Howlite dyed to resemble turquoise: This is a very common imitation. Howlite is naturally white, but is easily dyed to mimic the look of turquoise. Its porous nature makes it easier to dye, while the smooth finish can betray its artificial color.
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Glass: Some glass imitations are very convincing. Careful examination under magnification might reveal inconsistencies in coloration and texture.
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Plastic: Generally easy to identify due to its lightweight nature and lack of natural veining.
Does the Price Indicate Authenticity?
While genuine, high-quality turquoise tends to be more expensive, price alone is not a foolproof indicator of authenticity. Many inexpensive pieces can be real, while some expensive pieces may be treated or enhanced. Therefore, rely on a combination of identification methods.
How Can I Get My Turquoise Tested Professionally?
If you're unsure about your turquoise's authenticity, it's best to seek professional help. A gemologist or reputable jeweler can perform various tests to determine its authenticity and possibly identify its origin.
By carefully employing these methods and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can confidently distinguish genuine turquoise from its imitations and enjoy the beauty of this ancient and captivating gemstone. Remember, careful observation and a combination of tests offer the most accurate assessment.
