Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, has captivated people for centuries. However, the popularity of this gemstone has also led to a surge in imitations. Knowing how to distinguish genuine turquoise from its counterfeits is crucial, whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently identify authentic turquoise.
What are the most common ways to fake turquoise?
Many materials mimic turquoise's appearance, leading to deceptive practices in the market. The most common ways to fake turquoise involve using:
- Howlite dyed to resemble turquoise: Howlite, a naturally white or off-white mineral, is frequently dyed to achieve a turquoise-like color. This is a very common and often difficult-to-detect imitation.
- Glass: Glass can be manufactured to closely approximate the color and texture of turquoise. This method often involves adding pigments and creating veining patterns to mimic the natural variations in real turquoise.
- Plastic: Plastic is another inexpensive material used to create fake turquoise jewelry. It lacks the weight and feel of real turquoise.
- Other stones treated to look like turquoise: Various stones, like magnesite and even some types of jade, can be treated with dyes and fillers to simulate the appearance of turquoise.
How can I tell if my turquoise is real using the streak test?
The streak test is a simple yet effective method for preliminary identification. This involves rubbing the stone against an unglazed porcelain tile (a streak plate).
- Real turquoise: will leave a pale greenish-white streak. It won't leave a vibrant blue or green streak. The color of the streak is crucial here, not the intensity.
- Fake turquoise: Dyed howlite, glass, and plastic will generally leave no streak or a streak matching the color of the stone (in the case of dyed materials), not the pale greenish white.
How do I check for porosity in turquoise?
Genuine turquoise is a porous stone. This means it absorbs liquids. This characteristic can be used to distinguish it from imitations.
- Water Test: A simple test involves applying a drop of water to the stone. Real turquoise will absorb the water slightly, while fake turquoise (especially glass and plastic) will not. This is not a definitive test as some treatments can seal the pores.
- Enhanced Turquoise: Be aware that some turquoise is treated to improve its color or durability. These treatments can reduce porosity.
Does real turquoise feel cold to the touch?
While many believe that real turquoise feels noticeably cooler to the touch, this is not a reliable method for identification. The temperature of a stone is subjective and influenced by factors like ambient temperature and the person's own body temperature. Therefore, rely on other tests for more conclusive results.
How can I identify real turquoise through its veining?
Natural turquoise often exhibits unique veining patterns, which are caused by natural mineral inclusions during its formation. These veins are irregular, often dark brown or black, and generally blend naturally into the stone's matrix.
- Fake turquoise: often has artificial veining that is too perfectly formed, symmetrical, or sharply defined. It can lack the natural irregularity seen in authentic pieces. This is a very subtle detail often only apparent with experience.
How can I tell the difference between real and fake turquoise based on its hardness?
Turquoise has a relatively soft hardness (Mohs hardness of 5-6). This means it can be scratched relatively easily by harder materials.
- Testing Hardness: Avoid deliberately scratching your stone. Instead, look for existing scratches. If your turquoise shows excessive scratches for its age and use, it could raise suspicions. However, this isn't definitive proof that the stone is not real. Many factors affect the level of wear.
What is the price range for real turquoise?
The price of genuine turquoise varies widely depending on factors such as color, quality, and origin. However, exceptionally low prices should raise suspicion. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, high-quality turquoise is a valuable gemstone, and its price reflects its rarity and beauty.
Where can I get my turquoise tested for authenticity?
For absolute certainty, it's advisable to have your turquoise examined by a qualified gemologist or jeweler. They possess the expertise and equipment (like spectrometers) necessary to perform thorough testing and determine authenticity. Their assessment provides the most reliable confirmation.
This comprehensive guide provides several methods for distinguishing genuine turquoise from its imitations. Remember that combining multiple tests offers the most reliable results. While these methods are helpful, the expertise of a professional gemologist remains the gold standard for accurate identification.
