Turquoise is renowned for its blue and green colors and for being on the top rank among all of the opaque stones. It is also the birthstone for the month of December. Today, however, turquoise is available in different wonderful colors. Arizona and Mexico are currently the major producers of this precious stone.

This very attractive semi-precious stone is actually mined in many countries around the world with the clear blue turquoise from Persia believed to be among those of the highest quality and value. Turquoise produced from India's mines is colored green while those from China come in different hues. Those mined in the southwestern part of the U.S. also come in varying colors and qualities. In the U.S., this semi-precious stone has been a major part of the Native American culture that spanned thousands of years.

Origin of color

There are reasons behind the turquoise's original blue and green color. They point to how the stone was formed on rocks that contain minerals like copper and aluminum. The blue turquoise means that it was formed with the presence of copper while the green hue means that it has more aluminum. The yellow-green combination, which is a rare mix, means that zinc was present during its formation.

Meanwhile, the black markings you see on the stone are actually the so-called matrix or the rock in which the turquoise formed in. And note that the matrix is not always black. It can also be of different hues such as brown and yellow as the turquoise usually forms in varying types of rock.

The various colors of turquoise available today in jewelry are already a result of color treatments. Chemicals are normally involved in the process to improve or change the color of the stone.

Use in jewelry

Turquoise is popularly used in jewelry these days. Most of them, however, have already undergone some kind of treatment or enhancement. This treatment is actually what makes the turquoise jewelry more affordable to women who prefer a combination of gold, silver and precious stones. Natural turquoise stones are very expensive because of their high quality and if jewelry designers will exclusively use only the natural ones, many women won't be able to afford them at all.

Turquoise jewelry may come in individual pieces or sets such as a necklace, earrings and a bracelet. In making a fashion statement, using the set or just your preferred piece can make a woman fashionable and appealing.

Buying and caring tips

Turquoise jewelry can make a great gift to a young lady or woman whatever the occasion may be or even without an occasion. Make sure that you buy your turquoise from reputable stores with staff knowledgeable about the vital aspects of the stone. This stone is commonly imitated that it's sometimes hard to decipher between the genuine and the imitation so be very careful and don't be shy to ask.

Proper handling is always key to maintaining a jewelry's quality. Avoid storing your turquoise together with other gemstones or materials that might rub against the stone and cause damage. Store them away from chemicals and high heat. When cleaning, use only warm water and dry it right away using a soft cloth.

About the author:

Wu

Visit to pearl site for Pearl Pendant , Pearl Jewelry and Turquoise Jewelry .

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