Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, has been prized for centuries. However, the popularity of this gemstone has led to a surge in imitations. Learning how to distinguish genuine turquoise from its counterfeits is crucial for both buyers and collectors. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently identify real turquoise.
What are the Most Common Fake Turquoise Materials?
Before delving into identification methods, it's helpful to understand what materials are often used to imitate turquoise. Common substitutes include:
- Howlite dyed to resemble turquoise: Howlite is a naturally occurring mineral that is porous and easily dyed. This makes it a popular choice for creating convincing turquoise imitations.
- Plastic: Inexpensive plastic jewelry often features pieces that mimic turquoise's appearance.
- Glass: Glass can be colored and textured to resemble turquoise, though it usually lacks the unique veining and matrix found in genuine stones.
- Other stones dyed blue-green: Various other stones, including magnesite and even some types of quartz, can be treated to look like turquoise.
How to Identify Real Turquoise: Key Characteristics
Genuine turquoise possesses several distinct characteristics that set it apart from imitations. Let's examine these key identifiers:
1. Color and Matrix:
- Real turquoise displays a wide range of colors, from a pale sky blue to a deep, rich blue-green. The color is rarely uniform; instead, it often exhibits variations and subtle color banding.
- The matrix is a crucial identifying feature. Real turquoise typically contains a matrix—darker veins or spots of other minerals within the stone. This matrix is often black, brown, or gray. Imitations usually lack this natural matrix or have an artificially added, unrealistic pattern.
2. Feel and Texture:
- Real turquoise has a slightly porous texture. While it's relatively hard, it's not as smooth as glass or plastic. It might feel slightly rough or slightly cool to the touch.
- Fake turquoise often feels smoother, colder, or more uniform in texture.
3. Streak Test:
- Although not always foolproof, a streak test can offer a clue. Genuine turquoise leaves a pale greenish-white streak when rubbed against a piece of unglazed porcelain. Imitations often produce different streaks based on their composition.
4. Weight:
- Real turquoise has a relatively heavy weight compared to its size. This is due to its density. If a stone feels suspiciously light for its apparent size, it could be an imitation.
5. Hardness:
- Turquoise's hardness is relatively low (5-6 on the Mohs scale). This means it can be scratched relatively easily with a knife or steel file. While not a method to casually use on a potentially valuable stone, this can be helpful with less valuable pieces. Be extremely careful and gentle.
6. Veining and Inclusions:
- Authentic turquoise displays natural veining and inclusions. These are not perfectly symmetrical or uniformly distributed. Artificial veining in fake turquoise often looks too perfect or repetitive.
Can You Use a UV Light to Identify Real Turquoise?
While a UV light can be helpful in identifying some treated gemstones, it’s not a reliable method for distinguishing real turquoise from fake. Many imitations react similarly under UV light, or not at all.
Where Should I Buy Turquoise to Minimize the Risk of Counterfeits?
To minimize the risk of purchasing fake turquoise, always buy from reputable jewelers or gem dealers who can provide certificates of authenticity. Reputable sources will be transparent about the origin and treatment of their turquoise.
Is There a Way to Test Turquoise at Home?
While a comprehensive professional analysis is the most reliable method, using a combination of the visual characteristics (color, matrix, texture) described above offers a reasonable assessment at home. The streak test can also provide an additional piece of information. However, remember that several sophisticated fakes may mimic these characteristics, and a conclusive determination requires professional gemological testing.
By understanding the characteristics of real turquoise and carefully examining potential purchases, you can significantly improve your chances of acquiring genuine, beautiful pieces of this beloved gemstone. Remember, if you are unsure, seeking expert assessment from a qualified gemologist is always recommended.
