Formation

A turquoise is formed when water enters rocks which contain aluminum, copper and other minerals. The chemical reactions between them produce deposits of turquoise. This is the simplest way of describing a complex process which takes ages.

Chinese mines are presently selling turquoise with a wide range of colors to the jewelry industry. Natural turquoise changes its color with usage and it is best to keep this jewelry away from chemicals and other household cleaners if you want to maintain the luster.

A variety of colors

Turquoise is available in different colors depending on the percentage of different chemicals and their varying amounts. Blue turquoise is formed when there is more of copper present in the stone. If the stone contains more of aluminum the turquoise will look green in color. A rare combination is a yellowish green color which is found due to excess of zinc found only in a few areas.

The rock in which turquoise is formed has a particular matrix which can be seen on the surface of the stone. This imparts some color to the turquoise stone. A black matrix can contain iron pyrite, brown can contain iron oxide and yellow can contain rhyolite.

Turquoise treatments

A turquoise needs to be hard enough to be treated and converted into jewelry. The hardest turquoise is found close to the surface of the earth. Stabilization is a common treatment used even for poor quality turquoise to convert them into jewelry as this makes the stone impermeable thus maintaining the color of the turquoise stone for a long time.

Chemicals can be used to improve the color of the turquoise. Other techniques are used to mix epoxy resin or other substance with turquoise chips to convert the soft, porous turquoise into functional use.

Caring for turquoise jewelry

Turquoise jewelry needs to be kept away from all kinds of chemicals and high temperature as that can change its color. Also keep it away from harder gemstones or rough surfaces to prevent scratching. Clean the turquoise in warm, soapy water and dry it instantly with a soft cloth. Avoid commonly used jewelry cleaners to clean your turquoise jewelry.

Uniqueness

Turquoise jewelry can be unique in its own way and wearing a turquoise ring, bracelet, brooch or pendant can make quite a statement. People wear expensive diamonds or rubies but turquoises can be worn to suit or enhance certain dresses worn for special occasions. There are beautiful variations of color found in these pieces which you may not find in the other gold, silver or platinum jewelry. Turquoise stones can be embedded in silver or platinum jewelry to add variety to the pieces. People use rings, pendants and bracelets made from turquoise stones as lucky charms to bring good fortune or to match their zodiac signs. These stones can be made into different shapes such as in crosses, as animals or embedded in rings, bracelets and necklaces to enhance their value. They can be worn for casual wear as well as formal party wear depending on the design and style.