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If you are shopping for loose turquoise stone or jewelry, you may have noticed there are two different types of turquoise stone available: natural and stabilized. But what's the difference between the two? In this blog post, we'll discuss the unique characteristics of each type of turquoise, as well as what to consider when deciding which type to purchase. Read on to learn more about natural turquoise and stabilized turquoise.
ABOUT NATURAL TURQUOISE
Natural turquoise is a semi-precious gemstone that has been around since ancient times. It is a bright, light blue to greenish blue, and it often features veins of brown or black. Natural turquoise is found in many parts of the world, including the southwestern United States, Mexico, Iran, and Tibet.
Natural turquoise is made up of copper and aluminum phosphate minerals. It can range in hardness from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making it relatively soft compared to other stones like diamonds.
Although natural turquoise is still used in jewelry today, it has become increasingly rare due to mining and environmental restrictions. Its rarity has made it more expensive than most other gems.
WHAT IS STABILIZED TURQUOISE?
Stabilized turquoise is created through the process of impregnating it with wax or resin. This treatment is done to strengthen the stone and enhance its color. The wax or resin used to stabilize the stone helps fill in any cracks or fissures in the turquoise, making it more durable and less likely to chip or crack over time. The stabilization process also enhances the color of the stone, making it more vibrant and beautiful. Stabilized turquoise is not considered to be a natural stone, as it has been treated to improve its qualities.
WHY IS TURQUOISE STABILIZED?
Turquoise is a soft and porous stone, so it is often stabilized to improve its durability and strength. This treatment helps to protect it from damage that can occur due to exposure to the elements, everyday wear and tear, and the general rigors of handling. It also reduces the likelihood of cracking or discoloring of the stone. Stabilized turquoise is often used in jewelry making as it is stronger and more durable than untreated turquoise. The stabilization process does not change the appearance of the stone and does not significantly reduce its value.
HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE NATURAL TURQUOISE & STABILIZED TURQUOISE?
The primary way to differentiate natural turquoise and stabilized turquoise is through a visual inspection. Natural turquoise typically has a more mottled appearance and visible inclusions that are not seen in stabilized turquoise. Additionally, stabilized turquoise will often have a more even color and less marbling than natural turquoise. Stabilized turquoise will also often have more of a glassy appearance than natural turquoise, which can give it a more uniform, polished look.
Other ways to determine the difference between natural turquoise and stabilized turquoise include looking for surface treatments and testing the hardness of the stone. Stabilized turquoise may be treated with a wax or resin coating that will appear as sheen on the surface of the stone. To test the hardness, use a Mohs hardness pick. Natural turquoise should measure 5 to 6 on the scale while stabilized turquoise should measure 7 or higher.
Additionally, you can seek the opinion of an experienced gemologist to help you identify if a stone is natural or stabilized. Professional gemologists have the experience and knowledge to accurately determine the composition of stones and can tell you if turquoise is natural or stabilized.
WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY? - NATURAL TURQUOISE OR STABILIZED TURQUOISE
The decision of whether to buy natural turquoise or stabilized turquoise is a personal preference. Natural turquoise can be more expensive, but it is also more valuable as it is the most sought-after form of stone. Stabilized turquoise tends to be more affordable, and due to its treatment is less likely to crack and chip.
It is important to research the specific qualities of each type of stone before making a purchase, so you know exactly what you are getting. The color and hardness of natural turquoise vary greatly, so you may need to look around to find one that meets your desired specifications. Stabilized turquoise tends to be more consistent in color and hardness, but it is important to know the treatments that have been used in the stabilization process.
Ultimately, the choice between natural and stabilized turquoise comes down to individual preference. If you are looking for a piece that is more valuable or rare, then natural turquoise is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable option that is less likely to crack or chip over time, then stabilized turquoise may be a better choice. Whichever option you decide on, make sure to do your research and buy from a trusted source.
When it comes to turquoise, it is essential to know the difference between natural and stabilized turquoise so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for jewelry. Natural turquoise is the purest form of this precious stone, but stabilized turquoise offers a more durable and attractive alternative.
Are you looking to buy natural turquoise beads, turquoise carvings, and turquoise cabochons for your jewelry-making projects? Look no further than GemsBiz. With an extensive selection of quality natural turquoise, we guarantee you'll find the perfect piece for your needs.
GemsBiz specializes in offering only the highest quality of natural turquoise from all over the world. Our turquoise is carefully hand-selected and sorted to ensure that you get the best possible stone. We also have a wide range of sizes and shapes available, so you can be sure to find the perfect piece for your project.
So what are you waiting for? Browse GemsBiz today to find the perfect natural turquoise for your jewelry-making projects!
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