About Turquoise
Matrix -- Matrix is that black or brown webbing that you see mixed up with the turquoise color. Matrix can be mistaken as a bad thing. After all, turquoise is bought for its color; who wants turquoise beads with black or brown splotches all over it? But matrix can be good thing because it gives the turquoise a natural, genuine appearance. Turquoise without matrix is fine, but usually it is color treated or reconstituted and not as valuable.
All of this true unless you're buying Sleeping Beauty turquoise—in that case it shouldn't have any matrix whatsoever. You'll know if you're looking at Sleeping Beauty turquoise because it'll have a unique sky-blue color.
Natural Turquoise -- Natural unstabilized turquoise is valuable and rare. Turquoise out of the mine is little more than chalky powder. To make it suitable for jewelry, the turquoise is stabilized with wax or resin. Most of the turquoise that's hard enough to be used without stabilization has already been snatched up, but that doesn't mean natural turquoise is impossible to find. When you're looking for it don't ask, “Is this turquoise natural?” Some people have their own opinions of what makes gemstones “natural”. Some consider a little polish harmless. Some will say yes just because it's a rock, and they don't know better. Ask specifically what treatments the turquoise has had.
Turquoise Color -- Color ranges from bright blue to dark green. The bright blue variety is worth more, but it all comes down to which you prefer. Turquoise comes in hundreds of different shades, so take your pick.
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Turquoise Articles
Imitations and Treatments of Turquoise
The first people to develop imitation turquoise was the Egyptians in a kind of pottery called faience. “Viennese turquoise” refers to an early imitation turquoise made with aluminum phosphate and colored with by products of copper.
Turquoise Beading Tips
The best thing about turquoise is that even the most inexperienced beader can have fun with turquoise beads. No matter the season, turquoise is the most fashionable stone around.
Turquoise Around the World
The unique color of turquoise has endeared it to different cultures of the world throughout history. Despite the geographical features separating them, all of these cultures associated turquoise with fortune and health.
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