Home / Follow Me On My Creative Journey / Turquoise Stone - How to tell if it Real and Fake?
June 05, 2019
There are different types of real Turquoise stones because they are mined in multiple locations.Then thereare fake Turquoise stones that are sometimes labeled as real Turquoise.Thefake Turquoise is usually made from howlite. It is a gray and white stone with dark gray veins. Thiscan be dyed blue to look like the real Turquoise stone.Becausethe howlite stone has gray veins, when it is dyed blue itkind of looks like Turquoise.Some people refer to howlite as White Turquoise but it has no relationship to Turquoise. There are different ways to tell the genuine Turquoise stone from the fake one.
Price
As the old saying goes, if it is too good to be true, it probably is. Real Turquoise is always going to be more expensive than fake Turquoise.
Scratch Test
The hardness of howlite is about 3.5 and Turquoise is 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This test will help to determine whether it is real or fake.If it is hard to scratch then you probably have real Turquoise. If it scratches easily then you know it is howlite.
Color
A real Turquoise stone willhave different colors throughout the stone. A dyed howlite stone will have the exact same color throughout the stone. The Turquoise stoneis known for the color that comes from a mixture of different things occurring naturally. Copper that is in the stone is what contributes to the blue color that is in the Turquoise stone. When this is combined with aluminum, phosphorus and water, we get Turquoise. This is a very short version of how the process works. Depending on the amount of these elements, it can change the final color of the turquoise stone. That is why it is hard to find natural turquoise that is uniform in color.
Fingernail Test
Run your finger nail along the surface of the stone. If you can feel the crevasses, then chances are it is a genuine Turquoise stone. The fake stone will be very smooth throughout the entire surface.
Finger Nail Polish Test
Put some finger nail polish remover on a cotton swab and rub it on the stone.If it is not real, the dye will come off of the howlite and you will see some blue on the cotton swab. Otherwise, the stone will stay the same and there won't be any residue on the cotton swab.
Cutting The Stone Test
When youcutthe stone in half or crush it, you will know whether it is howlite or Turquoise. If the inside is white, it is definitely howlite.
I did all the above tests on the Turquoise that I purchased for my TurquoiseJewelry Collection. This collection consists of Turquoise Earrings, Turquoise Bracelets, and Turquoise Necklaces. Years ago when I first started purchasing stones, I didn't realize the difference. Now, I can definitely see the difference between the real Turquoise stone and the fake.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Follow Me On My Creative Journey
Ten Packing Hacks for Traveling
November 14, 2022
Are you looking for an easier way to pack when traveling? Check out these Ten Hacks that I havecreatedfor you.
1. Create a toiletry bag just for travel and leave it in your suitcase. Restock it when you unpack your suitcase and it will be ready for next time.
............................
Ten Ways to Enjoy Summer
July 25, 2021
Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of getting things doneand we forget to take out time for ourselves and our family. Then before you know it, summer is over, the kids and grandkids are back in school and................
Five Ways NOT to Store Your Jewelry
May 10, 2021
Aftera little bit of personal pampering, you feel and look better, right? Your jewelry is the same way. It needs special care, a little bit of pampering just like we do.
Your jewels and gems make you feel special, especially when they sparkle.
I'm going to sharefive no-nos to avoid when caring for your treasures.
Greetings, enthusiasts of Turquoise stones and jewelry! I am deeply immersed in the world of gemstones and minerals, particularly Turquoise, with a vast wealth of firsthand expertise. Over the years, I've meticulously curated a collection of Turquoise Jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. In the early days of my journey, I, like many, struggled to distinguish between authentic Turquoise and its deceptive imitations. However, through extensive research and practical experience, I've become adept at discerning the real from the fake.
Now, let's delve into the article on "Turquoise Stone - How to tell if it's Real and Fake?" and dissect the concepts discussed:
-
Varieties of Turquoise Stones:
- The article highlights that real Turquoise stones come in various types due to being mined in multiple locations.
-
Fake Turquoise Identification:
- Fake Turquoise is often labeled as real and is typically made from a stone called howlite, characterized by gray and white tones with dark gray veins.
-
Dyeing Process:
- Howlite, being the base for fake Turquoise, can be dyed blue to mimic the appearance of genuine Turquoise.
-
Differentiation Methods:
- Price: Authentic Turquoise is emphasized to be more expensive than its fake counterparts.
- Scratch Test: The Mohs hardness scale is introduced, with howlite having a hardness of 3.5 and Turquoise ranging from 5 to 6. A scratch test is recommended to determine authenticity.
- Color: Genuine Turquoise is described as having diverse colors throughout the stone, while dyed howlite maintains a consistent color.
-
Composition of Turquoise:
- The natural color of Turquoise is explained to result from a combination of elements such as copper, aluminum, phosphorus, and water.
-
Additional Tests:
- Fingernail Test: Running a fingernail along the stone's surface is suggested; genuine Turquoise is expected to have crevasses.
- Fingernail Polish Test: Applying nail polish remover on the stone can reveal authenticity based on dye residue.
- Cutting The Stone Test: Cutting or crushing the stone to inspect its interior; if it's white, it's howlite.
-
Personal Experience:
- The author shares their personal journey of initially not recognizing the difference between real and fake Turquoise but now being able to distinguish them effectively.
This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to confidently identify genuine Turquoise stones, ensuring your Turquoise Jewelry collection is authentic and valuable. If you have any questions or insights to share, feel free to engage and continue the conversation!
