Why is my turquoise turning black?

Turquoise is a compound that includes metals such as aluminum, copper or iron. Water and oil can cause some of these metals to oxidize, or in other words rust. As a result of oxidation, the stones can actually change color.

How do you restore discolored turquoise?

Does turquoise darken with age?

When oils come in contact with turquoise, they essentially do the same thing, they deepen or enhance the color…. at least in the short term…..but eventually, not only does the turquoise become darker, it becomes greener also. I've seen some vintage stones that almost look a blackish green.

How can you tell fake turquoise?

Turquoise is naturally a soft stone, but howlite (the turquoise imitation), is even softer. This means that if you scratch your stone and it scratches easily, you most likely have a piece of howlite. But if it's very difficult to scratch your stone, you've got genuine turquoise!

How do you maintain turquoise?

It's safe to clean turquoise jewelry with warm, soapy water, but it should never be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Some turquoise is treated to improve its surface appearance. Heat or solvents can damage the treated surfaces.

Top 10 things to know about Turquoise

Can turquoise lose its color?

Turquoise is a compound that includes metals such as aluminum, copper or iron. Water and oil can cause some of these metals to oxidize, or in other words rust. As a result of oxidation, the stones can actually change color.

What happens if you get turquoise wet?

Can you shower with a turquoise jewel? As mentioned before, water and humidity are not recommended. This mineral from dry and arid environments will absorb liquids and chemical products (water, soap, cream, ...) and the colour will be altered.

What is black turquoise?

"African Turquoise" is actually a type of jasper that has black and brown matrix and veining resembling that of true turquoise. It is treated with blue and green dyes to make it resemble the colors of natural turquoise.

Is real turquoise worth anything?

Turquoise prices normally range from $1 to $10 per carat but can reach $1000 per carat for the best quality stones. Real turquoise of the top quality costs even more than gold, so it is definitely worth the money. Moreover, turquoise has a multi-layered history that can be traced to ancient Egypt and Aztec culture.

How can you tell if turquoise is stabilized or natural?

After treatment, stabilized turquoise is harder and is unlikely to break or crack. The stone is no longer porous, so it doesn't absorb liquids or oils and the color is "locked" - unlike natural turquoise where the color can change, or deepen, over time. The cheapest forms of "turquoise" are block and imitation.

Can turquoise be worn everyday?

The brilliant coloring of turquoise will add a stunning burst of color to any outfit. Wear it every day to uplift your mood, or wear a necklace close to your heart to enjoy its extensive healing and meditative properties.

How do you preserve turquoise stone?

What is the most valuable color of turquoise?

The most-prized turquoise color is an even, intense, medium blue, sometimes referred to as robin's egg blue or sky blue in the trade. The traditional source for this color is the Nishapur district of Iran, so you'll also hear it described as “Persian blue,” whether or not it was actually mined in Iran.

Will alcohol damage turquoise?

Extensive use can even loosen prongs causing the potential loss of precious gems. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can pit the surface of softer gems such as pearls, opals, turquoise, and amber. Any type of sanitizer can even cause crystalline gemstones to lose their brilliance.

Can you bleach turquoise stone?

Before beginning any of the methods described above, it is important to note that you should not use bleach on bluestone. In fact, you should only use a mild detergent when cleaning this type of stone. The first step in cleaning a natural bluestone patio is to hose down the patio and remove all loose dirt.

Can you clean turquoise with alcohol?

In most cases, the answer is yes. For most precious gemstones such as diamonds and rubies alcohol is a perfect solution for cleaning. Gems considered to be precious are harder and more durable, making them ok for cleaning.

Is turquoise becoming rare?

With depleting mines, turquoise, the most sacred stone to the Navajo, has become increasingly rare. A sky-blue colored stone with a gray and gold spiderweb matrix sits melded into an intricate silver ring with engraved feathers along the sides.

Which finger do you wear turquoise?

Turquoise is a stone for planet Jupiter which is also known as Guru or Brihaspati and it should be wear in Index finger (for Profession) which is ruled by Jupiter and Ring finger (for Personal) which is ruled by Sun.

Why is Sleeping Beauty turquoise so expensive?

In 2012, the Sleeping Beauty mine closed and sent prices skyrocketing (not because the mine was spent, but because the copper mine that owned the mining concession sold the mine, and its new owner decided not to pursue the turquoise mining operation, according to Foutz). Buyers used to pay $10 per ct.

How can you tell a Kingman turquoise?

Kingman Turquoise comes from the Kingman mine in Arizona. Kingman Turquoise ranges in color from sky blue to hues of green, the green turquoise actually comes from the Turquoise Mountain side of the mine, and is desired for it's distinct coloring. This turquoise ring shows the appeal of the Kingman turquoise hue.

Which country has the best turquoise?

"The most common places known for good quality turquoise are Iran (Persia), Egypt, Northwest China, Mexico and the southwestern part of the United States. Although there can be mines found in many states, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada are the most common places where you will find them.

Can you shower in turquoise jewelry?

Like many gemstones, keep turquoise away from heat, chemicals such as perfumes, cosmetics and oils. As turquoise is porous it is important to keep it away from any lotions, alcohol, perfume hair spray or other cosmetics and never wear your turquoise jewelry in the shower, hot tubs or swimming.

Can turquoise be worn in left hand?

In case you choose to wear a Turquoise ring, always wear it on the right-hand ring finger, preferably during the Shukla Paksha on a Thursday morning.

What is the current price of turquoise?

The price of turquoise stones normally range from $1 to $10 per carat but can range from $0.05 to $1000 per carat depending on the quality.

What is a Sleeping Beauty turquoise?

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is noted for its solid, light blue color with no matrix. The host rock is granite. Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the favorite of Zuni Pueblo lapidaries and silversmiths for the purity in color. This mine was one of the largest in North America.