Turquoise is one of the most ancient stones in history. From healing to jewelry, its uses are quite versatile. Today, this gemstone is loved for its blue-green tones. Some people even carry this gemstone as a sign of good luck with them. But when you buy turquoise stone online, a big question lingers: “How to pick a real one?” This is relevant especially for first-time buyers. To help you out, we’ve listed a few tips that will help you in getting a natural turquoise.
Basics of Turquoise
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate, comprising copper and aluminum. It comes from the cracked rocks and is formed over millions of years. This gemstone is famous for sky-blue to greenish colors with dark matrix veins.
A natural turquoise stone is generally heavy. It has a waxy finish. On the other hand, turquoise imitations are quite lightweight. Hence, you can easily identify the real stones just by holding them and feeling their weight.
Now, you must be wondering what fake variants there are in the market. The reason behind this is the growing popularity of turquoise. It has been valued for jewelry and spiritual uses across cultures. Till today, it dominates the gemstone market, and for all the right reasons.
Choosing the Right Seller for Gemstones
The most important part of a buyer’s journey is to pick a reputable seller. When buying any gemstone, you would come across tons of options. There are online websites, offline sellers, and artisanal shops as well. If you’re a first-time buyer, it’s best to play safe. You should go for trusted brands in the segment such as GemstonesforSale.
Such brands deal with natural gemstones only. They don’t sell mass-produced jewelry or decor goods, but only gemstones. This makes them a reliable seller. Here’s what you should look for when selecting the seller:
- The seller’s website has a professional look
- There are detailed gemstone descriptions
- The seller is able to tell you everything about the gemstones
- A clear return policy and smooth customer service
- Certificate of authenticity upon request with your purchase
- Gemstone images and videos taken from different angles in natural light
- Proper disclosure of any treatment the gemstone has undergone
Once you finalize the seller, the next step is to shortlist the stone options. You can pick multiplier sellers at a time, and compare their listings to get the best deal. However, turquoise isn’t generally available at very low cost. Hence, you should stay aware of the unrealistic discounted deals. Always verify the average market cost of the gemstone before buying it online.
How to Identify Fake Turquoise Stones
Many online turquoise products are dyed howlite, plastic, or reconstituted powder. If you want to identify a fake stone, consider the pricing. A real turquoise costs around $10 or more per carat for basic quality. The premium pieces might cost even more. When buying this stone, check if it has a sky-blue color with natural variation. The fake ones have too uniform color or neon shades.
Also, check for organic matrix veins. The synthetic or lab-made variants have either no veins or painted patterns. Then feel the texture of the stone. It should be smooth and porous. If the surface is overly glossy or brittle, it could be a synthetic one. Lastly, ensure that the turquoise feels heavy with a cool touch. Beware of prices that seem too low for quality.
The turquoise should be able to resist light scratches when it comes in contact with a quartz stone. Also, a real stone absorbs a drop of water slowly, while fakes repel it. You can conduct these simple tests to see if the stone is real or not.
Different Types of Turquoise Stones
Natural turquoise comes untreated from the mine. On the other hand, stabilized versions are impregnated with resin to reduce porosity and improve durability for jewelry.
Reconstituted or “block” turquoise is made from crushed low-grade stones mixed with dye and resin. It’s generally quite affordable than a natural turquoise. Synthetic turquoise mimics the look but lacks natural composition. Avoid heavily treated or imitation stones for investment potential.
Why to Get a Certification
Insist on lab reports from GIA, AGS, or independent gemologists. That’s because such certifications confirm:
- Natural composition with copper and aluminum traces.
- Minimal treatments like stabilization only.
- No dyes, reconstructions, or synthetics.
Request photos under UV light. Genuine stones glow subtly, while fakes often fluoresce brightly. Post-purchase, test with acetone: real turquoise absorbs it slowly without color change. Visit a local jeweler for verification if needed.
Everyday Care for Longevity
This makes it softer than most gemstones out there. It requires a little more care. All you have to do is clear the stone using mild liquid soap and lukewarm water. Then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. Don’t use chemical cleaners. Once the stone is dry, store it separately in a soft pouch. It will help you keep the stone intact for years.
Smart Buying Wrap-Up
When buying a turquoise, you can start with a small stone first. Once you get to know what a natural stone looks like, invest in bigger pieces. Ensure to follow the tips that we have mentioned above to make the right choice. In the end, it all comes down to what you need in a stone and going exactly for it.
