How To Tell If Turquoise Jewelry Is Real Or Fake

Turquoise jewelry is treasured for its stunning color and cultural significance. However, the market is flooded with imitations and treated stones. Understanding how to tell if turquoise jewelry is real or fake is essential for collectors and enthusiasts. This guide provides straightforward tips and tests to help you distinguish genuine turquoise from fakes.

Understanding Turquoise

Natural turquoise is mined and shaped with minimal treatment, showcasing its true color and matrix. Treated turquoise, on the other hand, has been enhanced to improve its appearance and durability. Common treatments include stabilization and dyeing. While treated turquoise is still valuable, knowing the difference is important.

There are several materials often sold as turquoise, such as dyed howlite, magnesite, and plastic. These imitations can be convincing, but they lack the unique properties of real turquoise. Being aware of these substitutes can help you make informed purchasing decisions.

Visual Inspection

• Color and Matrix: Real turquoise comes in a range of colors from sky blue to greenish-blue, often with black, brown, or gold matrix (veining). The color should appear natural and not overly vibrant. If the color looks too uniform or bright, it might be dyed. The matrix should look natural and not painted on.
• Surface Texture: Genuine turquoise has a slightly rough or uneven surface texture. If the stone feels too smooth or has a glassy appearance, it may be an imitation or treated stone. Examine the surface under good lighting to spot any inconsistencies.

Physical Tests

• Mohs Hardness Test: Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, meaning it can be scratched by materials harder than itself, like a steel knife. Use a small, inconspicuous area of the stone to perform this test. If the stone scratches easily, it is likely not real turquoise.
• Acetone Test: To check if the turquoise is dyed, use a cotton swab dipped in acetone (nail polish remover) and gently rub it on the stone. If the color comes off, the stone is likely dyed. Be cautious with this test to avoid damaging the jewelry.

Advanced Techniques

• Specific Gravity Test: Turquoise has a specific gravity of 2.6 to 2.9. Weigh the stone in air and then in water, and use the formula (weight in air) / (weight in air - weight in water) to calculate specific gravity. This test requires precision but can help confirm the stone's identity.
• UV Light Test: Under UV light, real turquoise may fluoresce a light blue or green color, while dyed stones may show different colors. This test can help distinguish between natural and treated turquoise.

Buying Tips

• Purchase from Reputable Sources: Buy turquoise jewelry from reputable dealers or stores with a history of selling genuine pieces. Established jewelry sellers are more likely to provide authentic turquoise and offer guarantees or certificates of authenticity.
• Ask for Documentation: Request documentation or certificates of authenticity when purchasing turquoise jewelry. Reputable sellers should be able to provide information about the stone’s origin, treatment, and authenticity.
• Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the types of turquoise and common imitations. Knowledge is your best tool in identifying genuine turquoise. Books, online resources, and expert opinions can provide valuable insights.

At Spirit of Santa Fe, we pride ourselves on offering authentic Native American turquoise jewelry. Our pieces are carefully selected to meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Find beautiful, genuine turquoise jewelry that you can trust and cherish.