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 - Hover over an item for more information

KJL by KENNETH JAY LANE Simulated Turquoise Turtle at JCPenney
A bright cluster of simulated turquoise stones and crystals makes this adorable turtle pendant the perfect way to add color and character to any outfit. Metal: 20K gold-plated brass Metal Color: Yellow Stones: Simulated turquoise Other Stones: Clear...Only $65.00 at

KJL by KENNETH JAY LANE Simulated Turquoise Turtle at JCPenney
$65.00

Panacea Turquoise Epoxy Bib Necklace
Golden metal. Turquoise epoxy cabochons form bib. Lobster clasp with extender. 16inL. Imported.Only $75.00 at

Panacea Turquoise Epoxy Bib Necklace
$75.00

Lulaport Premier Designs Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 8
The item shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive. Handcrafted from natural gemstones and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). The different mixed-metal color tones are achieved with copper and brass. Total weight is 5.1 grams. Ring...Only $30.25 at

Lulaport Premier Designs Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 8
$30.25

Oval Shape Green Genuine Turquoise Silvertone Metal Cocktail 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 Green Genuine Turquoise Silvertone Metal Cocktail RingOnly $39.99 at

Oval Shape Green Genuine Turquoise Silvertone Metal Cocktail Ring, Size 10,11,12,7,8,9 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10,11,12,7,8,9
$39.99

Design 104080 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9
Handcrafted from turquoise gemstones with a cabochon round cut and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). Total weight is 7 grams. Ring size: 9.Only $33.00 at

Design 104080 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9
$33.00

Design 105266 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9
Handcrafted from turquoise gemstones with a cabochon rectangle cut and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). Detailed with copper and brass. Total weight is 6 grams. Ring size: 9 .Only $28.65 at

Design 105266 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9
$28.65

Jewelry Sale Black Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 7
The item shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive. Handcrafted from natural gemstones and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). The different mixed-metal color tones are achieved with copper and brass. Total weight is 5.3 grams. Ring...Only $30.25 at

Jewelry Sale Black Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 7
$30.25

Design #109081 Artistic orange copper turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 10
Handcrafted from orange copper turquoise gemstones with a cabochon pear cut (8mm x 12mm) and set in pure sterling silver with copper and brass details. Total weight is 7 grams. Ring size: 10.Only $28.80 at

Design #109081 Artistic orange copper turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 10
$28.80

Sterling Silver Genuine Turquoise Cuff Bracelet at JCPenney
A smooth 32x22mm genuine turquoise stone sits boldly in a trendy sterling silver setting with a rope design in this cuff bracelet. Treat yourself to a symbol of the southwest. Metal: Sterling silver Metal Color: White Stone: 32mmx22mm genuine blue...Only $225.00 at

Sterling Silver Genuine Turquoise Cuff Bracelet at JCPenney
$225.00

Fair Trade Purple Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9
Handcrafted from purple copper turquoise gemstones with a cabochon pear cut (12mm x 18mm) and set in pure sterling silver with copper and brass details. Total weight is 5 grams. Ring size: 9.Only $28.80 at

Fair Trade Purple Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9
$28.80

Bridge Jewelry Simulated Turquoise Filigree Heart Pendant
At the heart of this lovely filigree silvertone pendant lies an oval-shaped simulated turquoise stone for an eye-catching effect. Metal: Silvertone metal Metal Color: White Stones: Simulated turquoise Closure: Lobster clasp Length: 18in cable chain...Only $26.00 at

Bridge Jewelry Simulated Turquoise Filigree Heart Pendant
$26.00

Indian Head Nickel Men's Ring Jewelry
The Indian Head Nickel coin was designed in the early 20th century to honor the proud heritage of Native Americans and the spirit of the American West. Minted only from 1913 to 1938, this favorite among coin collectors has now become the centerpiece of...Only $129.00 at

Indian Head Nickel Men's Ring Jewelry
$129.00

Design #91042 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Rings 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 5.3 grams.Only $38.58 at

Design #91042 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry Rings 8
$38.58

KJL by KENNETH JAY LANE Simulated Turquoise Clip H at JCPenney
Clip on sensible style with a pair of simulated turquoise, cluster hoop earrings set in gleaming 20K gold-plated brass. Metal: 20K gold-plated brass Metal Color: Yellow Back: Clip Gemstones may be treated and may require special care. Jewelry photos...Only $50.00 at

KJL by KENNETH JAY LANE Simulated Turquoise Clip H at JCPenney
$50.00

Design 104184 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 10
Handcrafted from turquoise gemstones with a cabochon round cut and set in pure sterling silver (925 hallmark). Total weight is 7 grams. Ring size: 10.Only $33.00 at

Design 104184 Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 10
$33.00

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