THE MINERAL TURQUOISE

Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent (non-metal) mineral in the jewelry trade.

It has been mined for eons since at least 6000 BC. by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians. Its popularity is still quite strong today.

Although crystals of any size are rare, some small crystals have been found in Virginia and elsewhere. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals could only be seen by a microscope.

The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens.

Turquoise is often imitated by "fakes", such as the mineral chrysocolla, and poorer turquoise specimens are often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. The name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey, from where Persian material passed on its way to Europe.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades.
• Luster is dull to waxy, vitreous in macro-crystals.
• Transparency specimens are opaque.
• Crystal System is triclinic; bar 1
• Crystal Habits include crystals rarely large enough to see, usually massive, cryptocrystalline forms as nodules and veinlets.
• Cleavage is perfect in two direction, but is not often seen.
• Fracture is conchoidal and smooth.
• Hardness is 5 - 6
• Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6 - 2.8 (average)
• Streak is white with a greenish tint.
• Associated Minerals are pyrite. limonite. quartz and clays.
• Other Characteristics: color can change with exposure to skin oils.
• Notable Occurances include Arizona and New Mexico, USA; Australia; Iran; Afghanistan and other locallities in the Middle East.
• Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, luster, color and associations.

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Turquoise Jewelry Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information

Michael Kors Macrame Pave Fireball Bracelet, Turquoise
Turquoise cotton cord. Golden brass metal hardware. Clear glass stone pave fireball station. MK logo lock charm logo-engraved adjustable cylinder closure. Imported. For questions or concerns, please contact Michael Kors Customer Care at 1-800-699-7207....Only $55.00 at

Michael Kors Macrame Pave Fireball Bracelet, Turquoise
$55.00

Michael Kors Golden Slice Ring with Turquoise Detail
Golden steel. Flat turquoise-colored center disc. 1 1/4"W. Imported. For questions or concerns, please contact Michael Kors Customer Care at 1-800-699-7207. Keywords: gold,gold and silver,pink gold,platinum,ring,silver,wedding,wedding ring,white...Only $85.00 at

Michael Kors Golden Slice Ring with Turquoise Detail
$85.00

Black Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Ring Size 5
The item shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive. Handcrafted from natural gemstones. The metal is pure (925 hallmark) sterling silver. Detailed tones are copper and brass. Total weight is 4 grams. Ring size 5.Only $26.50 at

Black Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Ring Size 5
$26.50

Ross-Simons Cabochon Turquoise Linear Earrings In Sterling Silver
Long and linear earrings are all the rage: Free-form, turquoise cabochon drop, an excellent example of true fashion. Clip/posts, sterling silver earrings.Only $101.25 at

Ross-Simons Cabochon Turquoise Linear Earrings In Sterling Silver
$101.25

Ross-Simons Mojave Turquoise Earrings In 14kt Yellow Gold
Add a bright dose of color. These drop earrings are rich with golden striations in roped settings. Leverbacks, 14kt yellow gold earrings.Only $446.25 at

Ross-Simons Mojave Turquoise Earrings In 14kt Yellow Gold
$446.25

Ross-Simons Turquoise Multi-Shaped Necklace With 14kt Yellow Gold. 42
Turquoise has always been considered lucky, capable of bringing happiness- consider this stylish, multi-shaped turquoise necklace your lucky charm! 14kt yellow gold spacers.Only $52.50 at

Ross-Simons Turquoise Multi-Shaped Necklace With 14kt Yellow Gold. 42
$52.50

Purple Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Ring Size 10
The item shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive. Handcrafted from natural gemstones by one of our artisan partners and set in pure (925 hallmark) sterling silver. Total weight is 4.3 grams.Only $28.50 at

Purple Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Ring Size 10
$28.50

Ross-Simons Turquoise Ring In Sterling Silver and 14kt Gold Plate
Only $63.75 at

Ross-Simons Turquoise Ring In Sterling Silver and 14kt Gold Plate
$63.75

4-Strand Baltic Multi Amber and Turquoise Bead Bracelet
Only $119.00 at

4-Strand Baltic Multi Amber and Turquoise Bead Bracelet
$119.00

Ippolita Turquoise Station Necklace, 18"L
You want your jewelry to accent almost any outfit in your closet, which is why we are pleased to present this versatile by-the-yard chain of bright faceted turquoise and shimmery sterling silver from Ippolita. Sterling silver rolo chain. Seven, round...Only $350.00 at

Ippolita Turquoise Station Necklace, 18"L
$350.00

Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Ring Size 8
The item shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive. Handcrafted from natural gemstones by one of our artisan partners and set in pure (925 hallmark) sterling silver. Total weight is 3.6 grams.Only $28.00 at

Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Ring Size 8
$28.00

Zasha Diamond Enamel Ring, Turquoise
X marks the spot&#151pave diamond bands crisscross over bright color on this simply sophisticated ring from ZASHA. Sterling silver. Crisscross pave diamond bands. 0.16 total carat weight. Turquoise enamel. Keywords: gold,gold and silver,pink...Only $585.00 at

Zasha Diamond Enamel Ring, Turquoise
$585.00

Ross-Simons 4.5mm Pearl and Turquoise Station Necklace In 14kt Yellow Gold
Only $191.25 at

Ross-Simons 4.5mm Pearl and Turquoise Station Necklace In 14kt Yellow Gold
$191.25

Zasha Fleur-de-Lis Hoop Earrings, Turquoise
Sterling silver. Turquoise enamel. Hoops with fleur-de-lis detail and pave diamond inset 0.03 total carat weight. Post backs. 1 1/4" diameter. Keywords: April,Birthstone,diamond,earring,gold,Multi Tone,multitone,Multi-Tone,pearl,pink...Only $260.00 at

Zasha Fleur-de-Lis Hoop Earrings, Turquoise
$260.00

Ippolita Turquoise Teardrop Earrings, Large
Warm meets cool in these earrings. From the Rock Candy&#174 Collection. 18-karat yellow gold. Smooth, polished teardrop-shaped turquoise slice in bezel setting. French wire backs. 2 1/8"L x 1 1/4"W. Imported. About Ippolita: Ippolita has lived in New...Only $995.00 at

Ippolita Turquoise Teardrop Earrings, Large
$995.00

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