All the various Colors of Turquoise Gemstones
If you have been following me, and wearing my designs in the past few years, to will know how much I have fallen in love with turquoise! I really like the unique and obscure stones the most.
Turquoise gemstones are popular for people born in December as it's their birthstone. To those who want to harness its energy, they can also get a real turquoise gemstone!
Did you know that the color itself symbolizes luck, peace, and protection?
People have been using the power of these stones for thousands of years, often for spiritual purposes. There's much to discover in the captivating colors and benefits of turquoise gemstone. Read along to learn more about them and their many uses.
Properties of Turquoise Gemstones
The turquoise gemstone has a 5 to 6 Mohs scale ranking. The word turquoise came from the French word "Turquois: which translates to "Turkish." This is because this gemstone first arrived in European land via Turkey.
Egyptian pharaohs and rulers adorned themselves with turquoise gemstones. Nowadays, you don't have to be royalty to wear them.
The turquoise gemstone is a unique opaque gemstone with a blue to green color. It is common for a real turquoise gemstone to contain brown or black veins. The smoother and more solid-colored turquoise gemstone is, the more expensive it is.
These gemstones are popular and well-adored by many due to their intense blue turquoise hue. Depending on your preferred aesthetic, you can find rough or polished turquoise gemstones. Before buying a turquoise gemstone, it's important to know the properties of an authentic one.
These properties include color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. The most prized turquoise is the turquoise blue gemstone. This has an intense and even medium blue color.
Its colors can vary from greenish blue to medium blue. Turquoise clarity varies from opaque to semi-transparent. It might have brownish web-like veins running through it. The evenness and quality of the color will be the determining factor for its value.
Countries with the Best Turquoise
High-grade turquoise gets mined in different parts of the world. Iran produces some of the best high-grade turquoise gemstones. Other places such as Egypt, Mexico, and even northwest China are also great producers.
While the location where your turquoise was mined from matters, the grade will determine quality. Each turquoise gemstone has a color grading scale from 1 to 10 called the TQI. 10 is the highest color grade a turquoise gemstone can receive and is something you should keep in mind.
Importance of Turquoise Gemstones
Turquoise gemstone is the birth gemstone for those born in December. These gemstones give their wearers good fortune and health. Its blue undertone helps soothe and bring peace to whoever sees it.
Turquoise has many positive effects on one's mood. This makes it customary to gift people turquoise gemstone rings to say "forget me not" to their loved ones. Hindu mystics even believed that seeing a turquoise gemstone could bring wealth.
For centuries, people believed turquoise to be a holy stone that brings wealth to people. Other cultures believed that it had abilities to change its color to warn the wearer of danger.
Various Colors of Turquoise
Turquoise is the first ever gemstone to have a color get named after it. Although it's known for its medium blue color, turquoise gemstone comes in various colors.
1. Green Turquoise
While some people know turquoise gemstones for their blue color, it also comes in green. The vayuda turquoise gemstone is a stunning emerald green-colored turquoise gemstone.
Green turquoise gems have been in use for millennia to protect one from evil. It protects its wearer against any malice and accidents. The Scythians used it on their horses tack for protection. Remember Genghis Khan!? His warriors used it as well. Pieces of turquoise have been found buried with the war lords.
This gemstone gets used by people to avoid getting affected by unfortunate events. People know turquoise by its distinct blue color. This gemstone is very limited, and you may not be able to find them in most shops.
While you may opt to buy the blue ones, some green turquoise gemstones are also rare and have a high value. Only a gemstone expert would know why green turquoise gemstones are special. This is because there is a lack of green turquoise deposits in the United States.
This makes green Turquoise gemstones collectible. High-grade natural turquoise comes in different ranges from apple green to sky blue. Apple green turquoise gemstones are the hardest turquoise gemstones to polish.
The rarest green turquoise gemstone comes in the color of lime green. So keep an eye out for green turquoise gemstones the next time you are in a jewelry shop.
2. Blue Turquoise
High-value turquoise gemstones come in a medium blue tint. This kind is rarer and has a finer grade than its other colored counterparts.
This color opens you up to forgiveness and love. The color turquoise has a very strong connection to your throat chakra. This makes you better at expressing yourself.
3. AAA Turquoise
Only oval-cut turquoise gemstones can have an AAA grade. These come in a distinct bright blue color that's lighter than other turquoise gems. This has a good cut and polish and contains no brown matrix.
The AAA Turquoise is the same turquoise worn by royalty. This gem usually has agent treatment to help improve its durability.
Lander Blue Spiderweb
Looking for the most expensive turquoise gemstone on the market today? Then look no further. It doesn't get pricier than the Lander Blue Spiderweb.
This gemstone has a black spiderweb that comes in a deep blue color. These cost a whopping $300 per carat. There's no better way to say forget me not than by dropping a large amount for someone you love.
Common Questions About Turquoise Colors
As someone curious about turquoise gemstones, here are a few questions you might have:
1. Is It Okay To Wear Turquoise Gemstone Daily?
Yes, many people gift turquoise gemstones as accessories, and they are safe to wear every day. Turquoise gemstones have many meditative properties that can help uplift your mood.
Different styles and colors of turquoise gemstones have different effects on your energy. These also help bring vibrant colors to your everyday outfits.
2. Common Causes for Turquoise Discoloration
Turquoise gemstones come in greenish blue to a medium tint of blue. This gemstone has many small pores that make it very absorptive. This means that it soaks up water and oil.
Constant contact with oil and water can make your turquoise gemstone oxidize. In simpler terms, it starts to rust. This rusting results in a change of color.
Don't worry, as this is part of a turquoise gemstone's nature. Environmental factors such as high heat can also cause your gemstone to change color. Make sure to keep it away from acids such as hydrochloric acid to help preserve its color.
Other chemicals and even cosmetics might cause your turquoise gemstone to change color. That is why it's recommended to avoid exposure to unknown chemicals. Treating your turquoise with a sealant or agent might help increase its durability.
3. Turquoise Turning Green
Your turquoise turning green is a good sign, as real turquoise gemstones turn green over time. Turquoise gemstones are porous and absorb oil and water, which causes discoloration over time.
If you don't like the green color of your turquoise gemstone, don't worry, as it can get returned with proper cleaning.
4. Difference Between a Real Turquoise Gemstone and a Fake Turquoise Gemstone
A dead giveaway can be the color. Natural turquoise gemstones come in green and blue colors. If your turquoise gemstone is in pink, it's a clear sign that it's fake.
Turquoise gemstones are soft by nature, but fake ones are even softer.
Fake turquoise consists of howlite. A great way to test it is by using your nails.
Rub your fingernails on the surface of the turquoise gemstone. If you feel that your nail gets caught where the turquoise meets the brown webbing, then it's real.
The next thing to note is the hardness. If your gemstone gets scratched by your nails, then it's a fake turquoise gemstone. The harder it is to scratch your turquoise gemstone, the more high-grade and genuine it is.
5. How Can I Restore My Turquoise Gemstone?
As mentioned, chemicals can cause further discoloration to your precious gemstone. Using hot water and baking soda is enough to clean and restore your turquoise gemstone. To do this, you will need a bowl of hot water.
Mix in a tablespoon of baking soda to one-fourth cup of hot water. Leave it in the bowl for one hour and buff with a dry cloth. Make sure to be gentle as you buff and wipe your gemstone.
If the dry cloth isn't enough, you can also use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Lemon and olive oil can also give your stone a brand-new look. Of course, taking your time and being careful will provide you with the best results.