The stone is set in a very decorative and pretty hand-worked 925 Sterling Silver ring, size 7.
**The silver we use when listed as Sterling is 100% guaranteed .925 solid sterling silver, no substitutes, and not plated. Each piece is hallmarked .925.
Stone Type(s): Turquoise (Authentic)
Setting Material: .925 Sterling Silver
Head Size: 29 X 18mm
Size: 7
Weight: 7.2 Grams
Weight measurement includes silver and gemstone
This stone has been known by many names but the word turquoise, which dates to the 17th century, was derived from the French language turques, because it was first brought to Europe from Turkey from the mines in Persia.
Pliny referred to the mineral as callais and the Aztecs knew it as chalchihuitl.
Turquoise Formation
Turquoise forms when water percolates through rocks that contain copper, aluminum and other minerals. A chemical reaction takes place that results in deposits of what we know as turquoise. That's a simplified way of describing a process that takes millions of years and only happens when a complex set of conditions come together.
Why is Turquoise Different Colors?
The blue in turquoise is enhanced when copper is present. If the area where turquoise is formed contains more aluminum, the turquoise will shade to green. When zinc is present, the deposits are a yellow-green color, a rare combination that so far has been found in only a few areas, including the Carico Lake and Blue Ridge mines in Nevada.
Why Are There Dark Markings in Turquoise?
That's the matrix, the rock that the turquoise formed in. When stones are cut, some of the matrix remains bound to the turquoise. Matrix color varies because turquoise can form in different types of rock.
Is Turquoise a Hard Stone?
Hardness of turquoise used for jewelry usually varies from 5-6 on the Mohs scale. The hardest turquoise is usually found nearest the surface of the earth, where it's had a chance to dry, or cure. Softer turquoise is chalk-like -- too soft and porous to be used unless it's treated.
Common Turquoise Treatments
Stabilized Turquoise
An epoxy resin or other substance is infused into the pores of the turquoise. No longer porous, its color remains the same over time. Natural turquoise develops a lovely patina as its worn and absorbs oils from our skin.
Color Treatments
Chemicals are used to enhance or change the color of turquoise.
Other Turquoise Treatments
Other techniques are used to turn soft, porous turquoise into a usable product. Watch out for terms like reconstituted, which describes turquoise chips that have been mixed with resin then molded into shapes.
Most of the turquoise found in today's jewelry has been treated or enhanced in some way, and there's nothing wrong with that as long as you know it is treated and pay a suitable price for it. If jewelry designers had to rely on only high quality, natural stones, high prices would prohibit many of us from owning any turquoise at all.
What is Natural Turquoise?
Natural turquoise may have been cut and polished, but no artificial changes have been made to the gems. Color may change over time as body oils and other sources of moisture are absorbed into the stones.
Only high quality turquoise can be used in its natural state.
How To Care for Your Turquoise
Handle your turquoise jewelry carefully to avoid scratching it. Don't store turquoise with harder gemstones or other materials that might rub against it and cause damage.
Keep turquoise away from high heat and chemicals such as oils, perfumes, and household cleaners. Even stabilized turquoise can be affected by a constant bombardment of chemicals.
Clean your turquoise in warm, sudsy water and dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid commercial jewelry cleansers.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.
