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Turquoise
Azure sky, robin’s egg blue: Vivid shades of turquoise define the color that’s named after this gem.
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Turquoise Description
Turquoise might lack the sparkle and clarity of transparent colored gemstones like ruby, emerald, and sapphire, but its multi-layered history and soul-satisfying color make it a desirable gem. Its color can range from dull greens to grass greens to a bright, medium-toned, sky blue
Turquoise History and Lore
Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago.
Turquoise Quality Factors
Typically, turquoise is judged on three basic quality factors: color, texture and the presence or absence of matrix. Learn more about turquoise and what makes this gem so sought after!
A Gemological Study of Turquoise in China
Chinese gem-quality turquoise is sky blue, greenish blue, or bluish green in color.
Barite-Calcite Composite as Imitation “Wulanhua” Turquoise from Hubei Province, China
“Wulanhua” turquoise bracelet identified as composite material made of barite, calcite, and blue dye.
Polymer-Impregnated Turquoise
A large “Persian” turquoise cabochon was impregnated with a material that was also present in cavities on its base.
A Historic Turquoise Jewelry Set Containing Fossilized Dentine (Odontolite) and Glass
Investigating a set of six antique brooches set with diamonds and light blue cabochons.
Turquoise-Rock Crystal Composite
Examination of a faceted rock crystal backed by a slice of turquoise—an obvious but unusual combination of gem materials.
Turquoise Planet Earth
A sphere of Armenian turquoise with natural brown matrix material mimics planet Earth.
The Identification of Turquoise by Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Winter 1990 G&G; Lab Notes
This section, from the Winter 1990 issue of Gems & Gemology, is a compilation of interesting finds from GIA's laboratories.
