Overview
About Turquoise
Turquoise is found in only a few places on earth: dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals that contain phosphorus and aluminium. The result of this sedimentary process is a porous, semi-translucent to opaque compound of hydrated copper and aluminium phosphate.
Birthstones & Anniversaries
Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for the month of December and the gem of the 11th wedding anniversary.
4,000 BC
Turquoise buried in Ancient Egyptian tombs is among the world’s oldest jewellery.
Mefkat
Ancient Egyptians called turquoise “mefkat,” which also means “joy” and “delight.”
1519
Montezuma, thinking Cortes was Quetzalcoatl, gave him the god’s favourite gem: turquoise.
Facts
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Mineral:
Turquoise
Chemistry
Treatments
There are a number of processes used to alter the colour or apparent clarity, or to improve the durability of gems.
Learn MoreSynthetics
Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.
Learn MoreImitations
Any gem can be imitated – sometimes by man-made materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.
Learn More
Why We Love This Gemstone
Spiderweb
The spiderweb of veins that appear in turquoise are matrix: evidence of the surrounding rock.
Legacy
A legacy of turquoise appreciation spans the globe, from ancient Egypt to Mesoamerica to China.
Copper
Turquoise is coloured by copper, which creates some of the most vivid blues and greens in gems.
Quality Factors
Turquoise is judged on its colour, texture, and the absence of matrix.
Colour
The even blue colour of this cabochon would be called Persian blue in the trade.
Clarity
These free-form turquoise cabochons show a typical matrix pattern.
Cut
Although turquoise is usually cut into beads and cabochons, it can also be carved.
Carat Weight
Cutters work around large areas of matrix to yield pieces of evenly coloured turquoise.
Turquoise Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide
Research
Explore sources, gemmological research and the role of gems in history.
Turquoise from Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China
Quanli Chen, Zuowei Yin, Lijian Qi, and Yan Xiong Read more in English
Turquoise from Western Arkansas
Jennifer-Lynn Archuleta and Nathan Renfro , May 11, 2018 Read more in English
