Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, has been prized for millennia. But its popularity means a surge in imitations. Knowing how to distinguish genuine turquoise from its synthetic or imitation counterparts is crucial for both buyers and collectors. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently identify authentic turquoise.
What are the Different Types of Fake Turquoise?
Before diving into identification methods, let's understand what constitutes "fake" turquoise. There are several ways manufacturers create imitation turquoise:
- Howlite dyed to look like turquoise: Howlite is a naturally occurring mineral that's porous and easily dyed. This makes it a popular choice for creating inexpensive turquoise imitations.
- Plastic imitations: These are often mass-produced and easily identifiable with close inspection.
- Glass imitations: Similar to plastic, glass imitations can be created to mimic the color and texture of turquoise.
- Other dyed stones: Various other stones, including magnesite and other minerals, can be dyed to resemble turquoise.
- Reconstructed turquoise: This involves crushing real turquoise, binding it with resin, and reforming it into a new shape. While containing real turquoise, it's considered an imitation due to the process.
- Stabilized turquoise: This involves treating porous turquoise with a resin to improve its durability and prevent cracking. While still real turquoise, this treatment is often not disclosed.
How to Identify Real Turquoise: A Comprehensive Guide
Several methods can help determine the authenticity of turquoise:
1. The Feel and Weight Test:
Real turquoise feels cool to the touch and has a relatively heavy weight for its size. Fake turquoise, particularly plastic and glass imitations, will feel lighter and warmer.
2. The Streak Test:
This simple test involves rubbing the stone against an unglazed porcelain tile. Real turquoise will leave a light greenish-blue streak. Many imitations will leave no streak or a different colored streak.
3. Examining the Color and Matrix:
Genuine turquoise displays a wide variety of colors, ranging from pale blue-green to deep greenish-blue. Often, it features a characteristic "matrix," which are the natural veins or inclusions of other minerals like pyrite or limonite. These matrix patterns are unique and rarely duplicated in artificial turquoise. A completely uniform color without any matrix should raise suspicion.
4. Checking for Porosity:
Real turquoise is often porous, meaning it's slightly absorbent. A small drop of water placed on the surface of genuine turquoise will be absorbed slowly. This isn't a foolproof test, as some treatments can seal the pores.
5. The Hardness Test:
Turquoise has a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. A genuine turquoise should resist scratching with a steel knife or file, though it will scratch with harder materials like quartz. A fake will likely scratch more easily.
6. Looking for Inclusions:
While a matrix is a desirable characteristic of natural turquoise, closely examine inclusions. Natural inclusions are irregular and three-dimensional. Inconsistent coloring and unnatural patterns often indicate fakes.
7. Examining the Price:
While not a definitive test, an unusually low price for a large piece of turquoise should raise red flags. Genuine turquoise, especially high-quality pieces, is relatively expensive.
8. Sourcing and Certification:
Buy from reputable dealers who can provide documentation or certification of authenticity. They will often provide information about the stone's origin and any treatments it has undergone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you identify turquoise with a magnet?
No, turquoise is not magnetic and won't be attracted to a magnet. This test is not helpful in distinguishing real from fake turquoise.
How can I tell the difference between natural and treated turquoise?
This is often difficult without professional testing. Many types of treatments are used to improve color or durability, and these are not always disclosed. A reputable dealer will be transparent about any treatments applied to the turquoise.
Is stabilized turquoise real turquoise?
Yes, stabilized turquoise is real turquoise. However, the stabilizing process involves treating porous turquoise with resin to improve its durability and prevent cracking. It's crucial to understand that this is a treatment and may affect the value of the stone, especially to collectors.
Where can I get my turquoise tested for authenticity?
Gemological laboratories can perform tests to determine the authenticity and type of treatments applied to turquoise. They can provide detailed reports and certificates of authenticity.
By carefully considering these factors and using a combination of the tests described above, you'll significantly improve your chances of identifying genuine turquoise. Remember, purchasing from reputable dealers adds an extra layer of confidence in ensuring the authenticity of your beautiful turquoise piece.
