{"id":221,"date":"2023-12-13T17:33:56","date_gmt":"2023-12-13T17:33:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/2023\/12\/13\/turquoise-stone\/"},"modified":"2023-12-13T17:33:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T17:33:56","slug":"turquoise-stone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/2023\/12\/13\/turquoise-stone\/","title":{"rendered":"Turquoise stone"},"content":{"rendered":"

Turquoise stone<\/h1>\n

The intense blue color in this rough is due to the presence of copper.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Turquoise<\/h2>\n

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem materials. Turquoise is a copper ore found in arid or semiarid regions. The earliest turquoise mines were in the Sinai. In the el-Qaa region archeologists have found turquoise in tombs that are believed to date to 5000 B.C.. Turquoise jewelry and objects for ornamentation have been found in Egyptian, Persian, Chinese and Aztec historic sites. Native Americans in the Southwest United States have a long history of using turquoise in jewelry. Turquoise mining in what is known as the United States dates back to 200 B.C.. Vast historic trade routes can be traced from the American Southwest into Mesoamerica. Turquoise can be blue or green depending on copper, iron, and zinc content.<\/p>\n

General Information<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Classification<\/li>\n
  • Optical Properties<\/li>\n
  • Characteristic Physical Properties<\/li>\n
  • Chemistry and Crystallography<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Turquoise often has brown, gray or black matrix that is sometimes recessed below the polished surface of the stone. Stone may contain pyrite or calcite inclusions.<\/p>\n

    Turquoise Colors<\/h2>\n

    Turquoise Spectra<\/h2>\n

    \"Turquoise<\/p>\n

    Color due to copper. The diagnostic lines due to copper in the deep blue to violet region are difficult to detect and have eluded many observers. Light reflected off the sub-surface provides insufficient absorption. Transmitted light through a translucent edge, although, better is not always possible. This shallow cabochon did however transmit sufficient light at the edge to show an absorption band centered at 425nm. with just a hint of transmission in the middle to indicate two lines. (See BLC0973 below) The remainder of the spectrum transmits to about 530nm. before total absorption take over.<\/p>\n

    \"Turquoise<\/p>\n

    Color due to copper. The very small shallow cabochon used for this spectrum was thin enough to pass sufficient light by direct transmission. This photograph has been over exposed using a 150 watt fiber optic lamp so that the viewer can easily resolve the two lines at 420nm. and 432nm. As a result, the remainder of the spectrum transmits to about 560nm.<\/p>\n

    We acknowledge the significant scientific contributions of John S Harris, FGA to the study of gemstone spectra and with deep appreciation to him, acknowledges the use of his images and related notes about gemstones and their spectra in the educational materials on this website.<\/p>\n

    Alternate Names<\/h2>\n

    Turuqois, Gilson Synthetic Turquoise, Gilson Turquoise<\/p>\n

    Countries of Origin<\/h2>\n

    Tanzania, United Republic Of; Colombia; Iran (Islamic Republic of); Cambodia; Philippines; United States of America; Ukraine; Thailand; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; India; Canada; Unknown; China; Brazil; Italy; Mexico; Israel; Chile<\/p>\n

    History<\/h2>\n

    Stunning sky blues, striking sea greens and rich robin’s egg shades make turquoise a very desirable gemstone. Turquoise is almost always cut en cabochon or as a bead. It is seldom faceted. The dark and sometimes coppery-colored veins are part of the beauty of turquoise and the smooth cabochon cut serves to showcase these distinctive features. Turquoise may be the first stone ever mined. There is some evidence that suggests it may have been mined as far back as 4000 B.C. It is a 5 – 6 on the scale of hardness, but its porosity presented real challenges in the past, as turquoise changed color with time and wear. Today’s gemstone treatments help alleviate that problem. The name, “turquoise,” is relatively new to this blue stone. Pliny the Elder referred to it as callais from the Greek meaning “beautiful stone.” It’s thought that the name turquoise came into use somewhere around the 13th century.<\/p>\n

    Care<\/h2>\n

    Gentle care, natural turquoise is very soft and porous, so avoid contact with oils and colored fluids. Clean with clean damp cloth only. Avoid hot water, household chemicals, steam and ultrasonic cleaners for stabilized stones.<\/p>\n

    Creation Classification<\/h2>\n

    Lab Created<\/h3>\n

    Some gems, like turquoise, are highly coveted but rare to find, much less in the sizes and quality people dream of owning. Laboratory created jewels offer you the best of both worlds. You get the beauty of a beloved gemstone, but at a budget friendly price. The term synthetic refers to a man-made material with a natural counterpart. The synthetic material replicates the chemical, optical and physical properties of the natural version with little or no variation.<\/p>\n

    Turquoise<\/h2>\n

    Azure sky, robin\u2019s egg blue: Vivid shades of turquoise define the color that\u2019s named after this gem.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    This turquoise is cut in a cabochon: the most common shape.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    The preferred color for turquoise is a pure sky blue.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    Some buyers prefer the presence of matrix in fashioned turquoise.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    Turquoise is an aggregate of microscopic crystals that form a solid mass.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    The intense blue color in this rough is due to the presence of copper.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    Veins of matrix in this turquoise are remnants of its surrounding rock.<\/p>\n

    \"Responsive<\/p>\n

    Overview<\/h2>\n

    About Turquoise<\/h3>\n

    \"About<\/p>\n

    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 aluminum. The result of this sedimentary process is a porous, semitranslucent to opaque compound of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate.<\/p>\n

    Birthstones and Anniversaries<\/h3>\n

    Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for the month of December and the gem of the 11th anniversary.<\/p>\n

    4,000 BC<\/h3>\n

    Turquoise buried in Ancient Egyptian tombs is among the world\u2019s oldest jewelry.<\/p>\n

    Mefkat<\/h3>\n

    Ancient Egyptians called turquoise \u201cmefkat,\u201d which also means \u201cjoy\u201d and \u201cdelight.\u201d<\/p>\n

    1519<\/h3>\n

    Montezuma, thinking Cortes was Quetzalcoatl, gave him the god\u2019s favorite gem: turquoise.<\/p>\n

    Facts<\/h3>\n

    Treatments<\/h3>\n

    There are a number of processes used to alter the color, apparent clarity, or improve the durability of gems.<\/p>\n

    Synthetics<\/h3>\n

    Some gemstones have synthetic counterparts that have essentially the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, but are grown by man in a laboratory.<\/p>\n

    Imitations<\/h3>\n

    Any gem can be imitated\u2014sometimes by manmade materials or by natural materials chosen by man to impersonate a particular gem.<\/p>\n

    \"gem<\/p>\n

    Why We Love This Gemstone<\/h4>\n

    Spiderweb<\/h6>\n

    The spiderweb of veins that appear in turquoise are matrix: evidence of the surrounding rock.<\/p>\n

    Legacy<\/h6>\n

    A legacy of turquoise appreciation spans the globe, from ancient Egypt to Mesoamerica to China.<\/p>\n

    Copper<\/h6>\n

    Turquoise is colored by copper, which creates some of the most vivid blues and greens in gems.<\/p>\n

    Quality Factors<\/h3>\n

    Turquoise is judged on its color, texture, and the absence of matrix.<\/p>\n

    Color<\/h2>\n

    \"quality<\/p>\n

    The even blue color of this cabochon would be called Persian blue in the trade.<\/p>\n

    Clarity<\/h2>\n

    \"quality<\/p>\n

    These free-form turquoise cabochons show a typical matrix pattern.<\/p>\n

    Cut<\/h2>\n

    \"quality<\/p>\n

    Although turquoise is usually cut into beads and cabochons, it can also be carved.<\/p>\n

    Carat Weight<\/h2>\n

    \"quality<\/p>\n

    Cutters work around large areas of matrix to yield pieces of evenly colored turquoise.<\/p>\n

    Turquoise Quality Factors: The Comprehensive Guide<\/h5>\n

    Research<\/h3>\n

    Explore sources, gemological research, and the role of gems in history.<\/p>\n

    \"Turquoise<\/p>\n

    Turquoise from Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China<\/p>\n

    Quanli Chen, Zuowei Yin, Lijian Qi, and Yan Xiong , Oct 24, 2012 Read Article <\/p>\n

    Turquoise with Simulated Matrix<\/p>\n

    Rebecca Tsang , Jan 27, 2017 Read Article <\/p>\n

    Turquoise with Fingerprint Pattern<\/p>\n

    Tara Allen and Amy Cooper , Oct 17, 2013 Read Article <\/p>\n

    Turquoise from Western Arkansas<\/p>\n

    Jennifer-Lynn Archuleta and Nathan Renfro , May 11, 2018 Read Article <\/p>\n

    Recommended Reading<\/h3>\n

    \"reading\"<\/p>\n

    The Allure of Turquoise<\/strong>
    Susan Arritt<\/p>\n

    \"reading\"<\/p>\n

    Turquoise: Mines, Mineral, and Wearable Art<\/strong>
    Mark P. Block<\/p>\n

    \"reading\"<\/p>\n

    Turquoise Unearthed : An Illustrated Guide<\/strong>
    Joe Dan Lowry and Joe P. Lowry<\/p>\n

    Featured Gems<\/h3>\n
    Peridot<\/h6>\n

    Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth\u2019s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.<\/p>\n

    \"reading\"<\/p>\n

    Fancy Color Diamond<\/h6>\n

    Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. These are the planet\u2019s most valued gems.<\/p>\n

    \"reading\"<\/p>\n

    Diamond<\/h6>\n

    Diamonds are among nature\u2019s most precious and beautiful creations.<\/p>\n

    \"reading\"<\/p>\n

    Emerald<\/h6>\n

    Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.<\/p>\n

    Citrine<\/h6>\n

    Citrine is the transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Turquoise, turquoise stone, turquoise gemstone<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/knowdrive.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}