Turquoise is a highly valued opaque gemstone known for its striking blue color, which comes from the presence of copper. It often features green and yellow tones as well. As the birthstone of December, turquoise symbolizes peace and joy. High-quality turquoise has a deep blue hue, fine pores, high density, and an even color. Pieces with minimal iron veins are rare and highly prized. In recent years, turquoise—especially bright blue varieties—has gained immense popularity among Tibetans. In 2012 alone, the average price of turquoise increased by 10%, while top-tier pieces saw over a 50% rise in value. Recognizing genuine turquoise can be challenging, but there are key signs that help identify fake ones.
How is Turquoise Faked?
False turquoise has been around for many years. Since turquoise contains water and has porous structures, it tends to lose moisture after being mined, resulting in a dull, light green or dark gray-green appearance. Wiping it with a damp cloth can temporarily restore its vibrant color. Some high-quality turquoise is also treated on the surface to stabilize its color, and this process is considered acceptable in the international market. However, not all treatments are ethical, and some are done without disclosure.
Some counterfeit turquoise products, especially those made in India, are cheap and rough, and once damaged, they are nearly impossible to repair. This makes them a poor long-term investment.
The Optimization Process Makes It Brighter:
Artificial treatment of turquoise typically involves two methods: injection molding and wax injection. These processes enhance the stone’s color and make its structure more compact. Under previous national standards, both were classified as “treatment†and required clear disclosure during sales. However, the updated standard now recognizes wax injection as “optimization,†meaning it no longer needs to be explicitly mentioned at the time of sale. According to expert He, many fakes on the market are glued together. When viewed with the naked eye, these pieces often have dull colors and unnatural iron veins. With infrared detection equipment, internal organic rubber peaks can be identified, revealing the artificial nature of the stone.
Magnesite Imitations Are Hard to Spot:
Currently, the most common type of turquoise imitation is made from magnesite, a white mineral primarily found in Inner Mongolia. Some unscrupulous sellers use glue and dyeing techniques to mimic the look of real turquoise. If clearly labeled as "Imitated Turquoise," such items can still be sold as decorative handicrafts. However, because magnesite is so inexpensive—often costing just a few dollars for a bracelet—some traders sell it under false pretenses, falsely claiming it is genuine to make large profits. While magnesite imitations can be hard to tell apart with the naked eye, they can be easily detected using infrared technology, which reveals their synthetic composition.
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