Turquoise

Ancient Egyptians called turquoise “mefkat,” which also means “joy” and “delight.”

Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems.
Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers
of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise
jewelry, and Chinese artisans carved it more than 3,000
years ago. Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet, and
has long been considered a stone that guarantees
health, good fortune and protection from evil. The
gem’s name comes from the French expression
“pierre turquoise,” or “Turkish stone.” The name, which
originated in the 13th century, reflects the fact that
the material probably first arrived in Europe from
Turkish sources.

Color

Turquoise ranges from blue to green in color. The most
prized color is an even, intense medium blue. Generally
pure saturated blue shades are the most valuable.

Clarity

Turquoise is semi-translucent to opaque. It might have
veins of matrix running through it (matrix is a remnant 
​of its surrounding rock). The most valuable turquoise
is an even medium blue with no matrix and the ability
to take a polish.

​Source

Turquoise is found in only a few places on Earth: dry
and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich ground
water seeps downward and reacts with minerals.
The traditional source for the top color, sometimes
described as robin’s egg blue or sky blue, is the
Nishapur district of Iran, the country formerly known
as Persia. So, quite often, you’ll hear people in the trade
call turquoise of this beautiful color “Persian blue,”
whether or not it was actually mined in Iran. Another
famous producer of high-quality turquoise that rivals
the famous Persian material comes from the Sleeping
Beauty mine in New Mexico, U.S.

Treatments

Some turquoise is treated to improve its durability,
appearance and polish. Turquoise can be dyed or
chemically treated by adding an epoxy or acrylic resin
for increased hardness and enhanced color.

Turquoise was a
favorite gemstone
in Victorian jewelry
as it was thought to
signify true love.

Robin’s egg blue,
or “Persian blue,” is
considered the purest
color of turquoise.

Spiderweb turquoise
contains matrix in
thin, delicate, web-like
patterns across the
face of the gemstone.

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All information are courtesy of Gemological Institute of America (GIA). OR DIAMOND are not affiliated with, connected to, or associated with GIA other than selling diamonds and gemstones graded by GIA and have GIA trained staff gemologist and accredited jewelry professional on site.