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Scientifically, turquoise is identified as a hydrated basic phosphate of copper and aluminum. Rough turquoise is
found in thin veins or seams and often times as nodules. A pure crystal of the stone is extremely rare. Turquoise is a brittle stone and fractures easily. Its consistency somewhat resembles that of ivory. It is considered an opaque stone
and therefore is not faceted like other gems to be used in sterling silver jewelry. It is instead used in a convex form called
a cabochon, or in a baroque or free form type cut.
Perhaps the most perfect color of the stone is exhibited in its natural habitat, in the ground where it was originally found. It is widely known that turquoise possesses the ability to change in color and once mined from the ground and exposed to the air, its coloration will fade. This change in color is attributed to the gradual loss of water from the stone called spontaneous dehydration. While its deep in the ground, perhaps one hundred feet or more, the color can be a deep and rich blue color but once it is unearthed and exposed to air and light, it will fade to a considerably lighter shade.
Turquoise is most often found in the arid desert areas. The Southwestern desert areas of the United States are, by far, the best producers. Other locations of significant quantities include Persia (Iran), China, Egypt and the more arid regions of Australia. The stone in its natural form is usually not found very deep in the ground when compared with other mined minerals. Most often it will be found anywhere from 100 to 200 feet under the grounds surface. The exception would be a vein of turquoise found in New Jersey at a depth of 1100 feet. Many authorities feel that the best quality turquoise is a pure sky blue with very little or no matrix. Matrix describes the mixture of foreign materials within the stone. Matrix can vary in type and color with the most common examples being a clear quartz color, black, gray or yellowish to reddish. Many people prefer a mixture of matrix with the blue stone color so the balance of turquoise coloration with matrix is simply an individual preference. Whatever the preference, the wide variety of turquoise types and colors all make beautiful additions to the look and appeal of sterling silver jewelry.
Perhaps the most perfect color of the stone is exhibited in its natural habitat, in the ground where it was originally found. It is widely known that turquoise possesses the ability to change in color and once mined from the ground and exposed to the air, its coloration will fade. This change in color is attributed to the gradual loss of water from the stone called spontaneous dehydration. While its deep in the ground, perhaps one hundred feet or more, the color can be a deep and rich blue color but once it is unearthed and exposed to air and light, it will fade to a considerably lighter shade.
Turquoise is most often found in the arid desert areas. The Southwestern desert areas of the United States are, by far, the best producers. Other locations of significant quantities include Persia (Iran), China, Egypt and the more arid regions of Australia. The stone in its natural form is usually not found very deep in the ground when compared with other mined minerals. Most often it will be found anywhere from 100 to 200 feet under the grounds surface. The exception would be a vein of turquoise found in New Jersey at a depth of 1100 feet. Many authorities feel that the best quality turquoise is a pure sky blue with very little or no matrix. Matrix describes the mixture of foreign materials within the stone. Matrix can vary in type and color with the most common examples being a clear quartz color, black, gray or yellowish to reddish. Many people prefer a mixture of matrix with the blue stone color so the balance of turquoise coloration with matrix is simply an individual preference. Whatever the preference, the wide variety of turquoise types and colors all make beautiful additions to the look and appeal of sterling silver jewelry.
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