Buying turquoise can feel like a daunting task. One of the main things you want are real stones instead of some kind of fake. Here are the most straightforward ways to figure out if your real turquoise stone and to stay away from the most common counterfeit ones.
Understanding What Makes Turquoise Stone Authentic
Turquoise is a real gem that comes from copper-rich areas. Gem consists of aluminum and phosphorus also. Its color can be either blue or green. And what they sell mostly are the pieces made of the cheap material that was simply colored by dye instead of real ones. The thing is, what you simply have to do is.
There are quite a lot of fakes in the market too. A blue dyed howlite might be a good imitation of turquoise at first sight for a person who is new in this business. There are some plastic parts and some resin which can be used to make the turquoises but you can’t fool yourself in that case. Only by learning how to recognize real turquoises can you be safe from being scammed.
The Acetone Test Works Best
Put a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball and then gently take a sample from a place which is not very exposed to the light. The stones that have been dyed will show some blue or green color on the cotton in the rubbing area. On the other hand, a real turquoise stone doesn’t have any coloration of the cotton. This small experiment is sufficient to demonstrate that the kind of fibrous structure you see is none but howlite that has been dyed.
Certified turquoise is not going through any color alteration during this operation. The acetone is not strong enough to interfere with natural minerals. It is also important that you get the green light from the owner before you conduct the experiment because not every one of them will be willing to withstand the test and let you do it at their place.
Turquoise stone vs Dyed Howlite: Key Differences
Howlite has always been white with gray lines on it. Producers just dye it bright blue to purchase it as a turquoise seller. The veins in the fake usually appear too regular for someone trying to distinguish the two. A real turquoise stone includes irregular matrix patterns.
Grab one of each and put them in your palm. The difference in density will be quite clear to you. Apart from that, the price can also be an indicator of authenticity, real stones are not cheap.
Check the Matrix Pattern Carefully
Natural turquoise has a very unique webbing or matrix. These small lines of brown or black came from the formation processes and therefore are quite random. There is not one pair of stones that are identical. The real turquoise stone will never be found with the pattern of the matrix that is perfectly symmetrical.
The fake ones are the ones that show a lot of the same designs. The matrix that is there is more like a print than something natural. Look at the different pieces highly before making your purchase. Yes, buying multiple pieces will train your eyes to quickly spot the differences.
Temperature Test Reveals Truth
Put the stone to your cheek or lips. Real turquoise is cold to the touch for the first time. Plastic and resin heat up straight away. The genuine turquoise stone, in fact, stays cool for a few seconds.
It can be done anywhere with this easy test. You don’t require any special apparatus. Pieces that are metal-backed cannot be used for this method. Only test the stones which have exposed backs.
Turquoise Stone Care Extends Beauty
True turquoise is a need for delicate care. Keep away from acids and perfumes. Take off the jewelry before swimming or cleaning. Pieces should be kept separately so that they do not scratch each other.
Use a soft and damp cloth for cleaning. Do not employ ultrasonic cleaners. Heat will cause permanent damage to turquoise. By following the correct turquoise care directions the color and shine will be kept for a long time.
Finding Quality Gemstones for Sale
Good dealers will give certification for a real turquoise stone. Inquire about the origin and the treatment only. Natural stones are more expensive. Stabilized turquoise is less expensive, but it is more durable.
Buy from the jewelers who are already known and have return policies in place. Online marketplaces are not very trustworthy. Before you buy, make sure that you have read the customer testimonials. Demand the photos that clearly reveal the matrix and color.
Price Reflects Authenticity
Very cheap turquoise is probably not real. Good quality stones come at a certain starting price per carat. Due to limited availability, Persian and Sleeping Beauty turquoise are more expensive. Make a proper budget if you want to buy some real pieces.
Think of rhodochrosite for sale as a possible substitute for pink lab-grown gemstone.
Final Verification Steps
Use different tests to be sure of the results. Also, consider the weight, temperature, and acetone tests. Look at the matrix through a magnifying lens. If it’s your gut feeling that something is wrong, then it probably is.
Real turquoise stone is a great investment only for the buyers who are careful. Don’t rush into purchasing, but spend time researching. It is your knowledge that saves you from making costly mistakes. Authentic turquoise is a great addition to any collection, keeping its charm and value over time.
