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.

Turquoise Jewelry - Hover over an item for more information
Oval-Shape Simulated Turquoise Round Crystal Accent Brass Antique-Finish Vintage-Style Cabochon Ring, Size 10,11,12,7,8,9 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10,11,12,7,8,9
Rated by 25,000+ Customers. Oval-Shape Simulated Turquoise Round Crystal Accent Brass Antique-Finish Vintage-Style Cabochon RingOnly $47.99 at PalmBeachJewelry
no photoOval-Shape Simulated Turquoise Round Crystal Accent Brass Antique-Finish Vintage-Style Cabochon Ring, Size 10,11,12,7,8,9 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10,11,12,7,8,9
$47.99
PalmBeachJewelry
Design #91026 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Rings 7
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 5.2 grams.Only $38.30 at HandTrades.com
no photoDesign #91026 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Rings 7
$38.30
HandTrades.com
Ippolita Turquoise Constellation Ring
Star-like stones unite this multi-banded ring by Ippolita. Hammered sterling silver setting catches the light. Faceted turquoise stones set in bezels on face. Multiple bands on sides. 5/8inW. Imported.Only $495.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoIppolita Turquoise Constellation Ring
$495.00
Neiman Marcus
Design #64846 TURQUOISE .925 STERLING SILVER JEWELRY RINGS ADJUSTABLE
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. The different tones are made with copper and brass. Total weight is 6.5 grams.Only $31.50 at HandTrades.com
no photoDesign #64846 TURQUOISE .925 STERLING SILVER JEWELRY RINGS ADJUSTABLE
$31.50
HandTrades.com
Turquoise-Colored Stingray Silvertone Metal Concave Cuff Bracelet 7'' by PalmBeach Jewelry
Rated by 25,000+ Customers. Turquoise-Colored Stingray Silvertone Metal Concave Cuff Bracelet 7''Only $47.99 at PalmBeachJewelry
no photoTurquoise-Colored Stingray Silvertone Metal Concave Cuff Bracelet 7'' by PalmBeach Jewelry
$47.99
PalmBeachJewelry
Michael Kors Rock Crystal Ring, Turquoise
Golden stainless steel. Reconstituted turquoise at top. 2 1/4inL x 1/2inW crystal. Imported.Only $95.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoMichael Kors Rock Crystal Ring, Turquoise
$95.00
Neiman Marcus
Zܬo E + SYD Turquoise Howlite & Coral Chandelier Ear at JCPenney
A multi-gemstone effect gives an instant update to your style. These long chandelier earrings feature genuine turquoise and coral with color-enhanced yellow howlite for plenty of trendy color. Metal: Gold-tone brass Metal Color: Yellow Stones: Genuine...Only $60.00 at jcpenney
no photoZܬo E + SYD Turquoise Howlite & Coral Chandelier Ear at JCPenney
$60.00
jcpenney
Design 104893 Black Copper Turquoise Gemstone .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 6
Handcrafted from black copper turquoise gemstones with a cabochon square cut (12.75mm) and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark), detailed with copper and brass. Total weight is 7 grams. Ring size: 6 .Only $29.00 at HandTrades.com
no photoDesign 104893 Black Copper Turquoise Gemstone .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 6
$29.00
HandTrades.com
KJL by KENNETH JAY LANE Simulated Turquoise Bib Ne at JCPenney
Bursting with bright blue, this beaded bib necklace in stylish 20K gold-plated brass will earn you major compliments. Metal: 20K gold-plated brass Metal Color: Yellow Stones: Simulated turquoise Closure: Lobster clasp Gemstones may be treated and may...Only $150.00 at jcpenney
no photoKJL by KENNETH JAY LANE Simulated Turquoise Bib Ne at JCPenney
$150.00
jcpenney
Elizabeth Showers 18k Gold Diamond & Turquoise Teardrop Earrings
Distinguished by classically feminine design, these diamond-detailed Elizabeth Showers earrings transition from coffee to cocktails beautifully. Smooth turquoise teardrops, slightly variegated. 18-karat yellow gold findings. Pave diamonds on bale. 0.06...Only $915.00 at Neiman Marcus
no photoElizabeth Showers 18k Gold Diamond & Turquoise Teardrop Earrings
$915.00
Neiman Marcus
Ross-Simons Turquoise Bead Necklace in Sterling Silver. 16"
Our classic turquoise bead necklace has been so popular, we've updated it with chic nugget gemstones and sterling silver spacers. Necklace presented with sterling silver spacers and clasp.Only $105.00 at Ross-Simons
no photoRoss-Simons Turquoise Bead Necklace in Sterling Silver. 16"
$105.00
Ross-Simons
Art Smith by BARSE Turquoise & Brown Leather Neckl at JCPenney
A brass and turquoise, rondelle-style charm at the base of this brown, leather necklace adds extra interest to a boho-inspired design. Metal: Brass Metal Color: Yellow Stones: Genuine turquoise Closure: Hook Length: 18 1/4in leather chain Gemstones may...Only $55.00 at jcpenney
no photoArt Smith by BARSE Turquoise & Brown Leather Neckl at JCPenney
$55.00
jcpenney
Design 105321 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 5
Handcrafted from turquoise gemstones with a cabochon oval cut and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). Detailed with copper and brass. Total weight is 6 grams. Ring size: 5 .Only $28.65 at HandTrades.com
no photoDesign 105321 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 5
$28.65
HandTrades.com
Design 104896 Black Copper Turquoise Gemstone .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 5.5
Handcrafted from black copper turquoise gemstones with a cabochon square cut (12.75mm) and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark), detailed with copper and brass. Total weight is 7 grams. Ring size: 5.5 .Only $29.00 at HandTrades.com
no photoDesign 104896 Black Copper Turquoise Gemstone .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 5.5
$29.00
HandTrades.com
Design 105386 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 7
Handcrafted from turquoise gemstones with a cabochon oval cut and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). Detailed with copper and brass. Total weight is 6 grams. Ring size: 7 .Only $28.65 at HandTrades.com
no photoDesign 105386 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 7
$28.65
HandTrades.com
See More Turquoise Jewelry Selections

This Site Awarded
Available TURQUOISE specimens:
TURQUOISE specimen TUR-44
$ 90.00 -40% = $ 54.00
Dims: 3.03x1.88x1.59in (7.69x4.77x4.05cm) .... Wt: 6.2oz (175g) .... Loc: Competos Mine, Sonora, Mexico
This turquoise specimen displays both a pale-blue bulk material and numerous small crystals that appear to be transparent blue turquoise crystals. However, there is quite a bit of binder here, generally a transparent plastic to bind a loose specimen together.
no photo
TUR-44
$ 54.00
no photo
TURQUOISE specimen TUR-49
$ 25.00 -10% = $ 22.50
Dims: 1.43x1.40x0.77in (3.64x3.55x1.96cm) .... Wt: 1.17oz (33.1g) .... Loc: Turquoise Mountain, Globe, Arizona, USA
A greenish-blue turquoise specimen with a brown crust obscuring much of the surface, this has been cut to form a base and reveal the perfect turquoise-blue color of the interior.
no photo
TUR-49
$ 22.50
no photo
TURQUOISE specimen TUR-53
$ 19.00 -10% = $ 17.10
Dims: 1.19x0.91x0.82in (3.02x2.30x2.09cm) .... Wt: 0.71oz (20.0g) .... Loc: Cananea, Sonora, Mexico
Most turquoise specimens we see are simple nodules, but this one is a pseudomorph after apatite. It has a nice turquoise color with a surface pattern of some brown mineral that adds contrast.
no photo
TUR-53
$ 17.10
no photo
TURQUOISE specimen TUR-50
$ 25.00 -10% = $ 22.50
Dims: 1.44x1.36x0.56in (3.65x3.45x1.41cm) .... Wt: 0.92oz (26.0g) .... Loc: Turuoise Mountain, Globe, Arizona, USA
This relatively flat nodule also has a brown-green crust over the outside, and a cut base revealing the pretty blue interior.
no photo
TUR-50
$ 22.50
no photo
see this List of ALL specimens including SOLD ones
 
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