The Turquoise
An ancient "gem of joy" revered for its unforgettable sky-blue hue.
Overview
Turquoise might come across as a chic, modern-day jewel, but this gem isn’t a recent discovery. Several sources suggest that this ancient gem was first spotted in Turkey. It traveled to Europe with people who revered it for its fascinating color and called it ‘pierre tourques,’ French for ‘Turkish stone.’
Back in 4000 BC, the Egyptians were already so charmed by this eye-catching jewel that they referred to it as ‘mefkat,’ which translates to ‘gem of joy.’ In a market dominated by many blue-hued gems, turquoise still distinguishes itself with an opaque surface and an unforgettable color.
Symbolism
The color of turquoise itself is reminiscent of the summer sky, symbolizing positivity, happiness, and possibilities. Some ancient cultures believed that wearing this gem could attract good fortune, while others thought it helped in the safe passage to the afterlife.
Currently, turquoise shares the December birthstone title with tanzanite and serves as the national gem of Tibet.
Physical Properties & Quality
Hardness & Strength
Turquoise has a rating of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. While it isn’t the strongest, it certainly isn’t as delicate as a pearl either. Avoid a turquoise if it appears coarse, porous, or grainy. Pick stones that have a fine and smooth texture, as they are likely to be more durable.
Treatment
It is normal for turquoise to undergo treatment to improve its appearance and durability:
- Stabilization: Absorbs clear epoxy under pressure to make the stone harder (permanent results).
- Dyeing: Uses pigments to improve color. This doesn’t last, so dyed stones should be avoided.
- Waxing/Oiling: A traditional method to enhance the glow, though less common today.
Color & Clarity
The main USP of this gem is its color, ranging from dull green to a bright, medium-toned sky blue (often called 'Persian blue'). As an opaque stone formed in limonite or sandstone, it may feature splotches or veins (matrix). Top-quality turquoise is evenly bright blue with no matrix, while an attractive spider-web matrix ranks second in value.
Cut & Carat Weight
Top-quality turquoise is usually fashioned into cabochons (round or oval). It is also cut into beads, flat pieces for inlays, or carved into intricate art objects. It is relatively easy to find turquoise weighing up to 5 carats, but preference should always be given to quality and color over size.
Turquoise Grading System
Top 1%
These represent the top 1% available. They exhibit a beautiful, bright blue color and have absolutely no eye-visible inclusions.
Top 10%
These turquoise stones have a sky-blue hue and are also eye-clean, representing the top 10% of gems.
Top 33%
Featuring a greenish-blue color, these stones have slight surface inclusions and matrix markings.
Top 75%
Entry-level stones that are light-blue or greener in color and are slightly more included.
Turquoise Care Instructions
To maintain the beauty of your ‘mefkat’ gem and prevent unnecessary damage, keep these tips in mind:
- No Ultrasonic Cleaners: Steam and ultrasonic cleaners must be avoided as they cause discoloration and surface damage.
- Wipe After Wear: Oil and sweat from your skin can lead to staining. Wipe the stone dry with a soft cloth after everyday wear.
- Avoid Chemicals: Harsh chemicals, cosmetics, and perfumes must be avoided to protect this gem from irreparable damage.
- Gentle Cleaning: Safely clean your jewelry at home using mild soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Safe Storage: Store separately to protect it from being scratched by harder gemstones.