Uncovering the Authenticity of Turquoise: 3 Key Indicators to Look Out For
In the world of gemstones, the vibrant blue-green hue of turquoise has long been a favourite among collectors and jewellery enthusiasts. However, with the high demand for this precious stone, it's essential to be aware that approximately 90% of the turquoise encountered daily is fake. To help you navigate through the sea of imitations, we've compiled a list of practical tips and tests to identify genuine turquoise from its counterfeit counterparts.
Visual Inspection
The first step in identifying real turquoise is a visual inspection. Genuine turquoise often exhibits a blue-green colour with brown or black veins, while fake turquoise may lack these veins or have a more uniform colour. Additionally, real turquoise has a matrix of host rock visible, whereas fake turquoise may not. The quality of genuine turquoise is usually more dense and has a more vibrant colour compared to its fakes.
Weight and Feel
Another way to distinguish real turquoise is by its weight and feel. Real turquoise is denser and heavier than its fake alternatives like dyed magnesite. Genuine turquoise can also feel slightly rougher to the touch compared to fake materials.
Scratch Test
The scratch test can also help differentiate between real and fake materials. Applying gentle pressure with a copper penny or a sharp object can help identify genuine turquoise, as it is relatively soft (Mohs hardness 5-6), while some fake materials may be harder. If the stone scratches easily, it is likely howlite, a white, porous mineral that is predominantly used to make fake turquoise.
Chemical Tests
While chemical tests should be used with caution due to potential damage to the stone, they can still provide valuable insights. For instance, turquoise reacts with acid (like vinegar) by effervescing, but this test is not definitive. The nail polish test can help identify some fake turquoise (made from dyed magnesite) as it may fade or change colour when submerged in nail polish for about 30 minutes.
Water Test
Although not a definitive method, genuine turquoise may absorb water more slowly than materials like dyed magnesite.
UV Test
Turquoise typically does not fluoresce under UV light, but some treatments or fakes might.
Professional Evaluation
If in doubt, having a piece evaluated by a gemologist or jeweller can provide a definitive assessment. Vendors offering low-priced turquoise may have unsold items at the end of a show, which could be a sign of low-quality or fake turquoise. Unnaturally uniform shapes and colours in turquoise may also indicate it is fake.
By following these practical tips and tests, you can confidently separate real turquoise from its imitations, ensuring that your jewellery collection is adorned with the authentic beauty of this ancient gemstone.
To cultivate a well-informed jewelry collection, one must pay attention to both the appearance and feel of the gemstones, as genuine turquoise often displays a varied blue-green color, brown or black veins, and a visible matrix of host rock, aspects that are not usually found in its counterfeit counterparts. Moreover, for those keen to explore the realms of home décor and garden design, it's important to be aware that materials such as dyed magnesite, which feel lighter and smoother than genuine turquoise, are commonly utilized to imitate a range of fashion-and-beauty products, home-and-garden items, and other decorative elements found in today's lifestyle.
