Turquoise is renowned for its blue and green colors and forbeing on the top rank among all of the opaque stones. It is also the birthstonefor the month of December. Today, however, turquoise is available in differentwonderful colors. Arizona and Mexico are currently the major producers of this precious stone.
This very attractive semi-precious stone is actually minedin 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 colorsand qualities. In the U.S., this semi-precious stone has been a major part ofthe Native American culture that spanned thousands of years.
Origin of color
There are reasons behind the turquoise's original blue andgreen color. They point to how the stone was formed on rocks that containminerals like copper and aluminum. The blue turquoise means that it was formedwith the presence of copper while the green hue means that it has morealuminum. The yellow-green combination, which is a rare mix, means that zincwas present during its formation.
Meanwhile, the black markings you see on the stone areactually the so-called matrix or the rock in which the turquoise formed in. Andnote that the matrix is not always black. It can also be of different hues suchas brown and yellow as the turquoise usually forms in varying types of rock.
The various colors of turquoise available today in jewelryare already a result of color treatments. Chemicals are normally involved inthe process to improve or change the color of the stone.
Use in jewelry
Turquoise is popularly used in jewelry these days. Most ofthem, however, have already undergone some kind of treatment or enhancement.This treatment is actually what makes the turquoise jewelry more affordable towomen who prefer a combination of gold, silver and precious stones. Naturalturquoise stones are very expensive because of their high quality and ifjewelry designers will exclusively use only the natural ones, many women won'tbe able to afford them at all.
Turquoise jewelry may come in individual pieces or sets suchas a necklace, earrings and a bracelet. In making a fashion statement, usingthe set or just your preferred piece can make a woman fashionable andappealing.
Buying and caring tips
Turquoise jewelry can make a great gift to a young lady orwoman whatever the occasion may be or even without an occasion. Make sure thatyou buy your turquoise from reputable stores with staff knowledgeable about thevital aspects of the stone. This stone is commonly imitated that it's sometimeshard to decipher between the genuine and the imitation so be very careful anddon't be shy to ask.
Proper handling is always key to maintaining a jewelry'squality. Avoid storing your turquoise together with other gemstones ormaterials that might rub against the stone and cause damage. Store them awayfrom chemicals and high heat. When cleaning, use only warm water and dry itright away using a soft cloth.
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