Turquoise
The heavenly blue of the sky and the invigorating green of the ocean combined. What more could you ask for? The color alone leaves us very astounded and reminds us that there’s always a piece of heaven here on earth.
Turquoise is a very ancient gem, yet it still continues to find its way back in fashion. Its unbelievable color is one of the most known nuances used in both jewelry and fashion for it is known to compliment any skin type and tone. Indeed it is such a unique color, imagine two of the most favored colored of mankind combined. That’s surely hard to top.
Turquoise is one of the most valuable mineral, in fact it is even considered the most highly regarded in the world of non-transparent mineral. It is very rare especially in its finest grades. It has been sought after thanks to its inimitable hue. However, just like any other gems, turquoise has slowly been decreasing its value due to unnecessary treatments as well as imitations and synthetics that are taking the markets in storm. Unfortunately, since this minerals are opaque in nature, fake turquoise is hard to detect even by gemologists and experts themselves.
The top quality turquoises are a rich and radiant sky blue with a hint of light green in color. The more the color tends to lean towards shades of green the lower the value of the stones become. Another characteristic of turquoise beads is its matrix or the streaks of brownish inclusions they possess. Like the color, the formation of this so-called matrix also contributes to the over-all value of the stone, the blotchier or more irregular the streaks become the lesser the worth it will be.
Turquoise has long been esteemed as a holy and miraculous stone, sometimes known as the bringer of good luck or even as a talisman. The earliest evidence of its existence and use was found in ancient Egypt, where graves were discovered with turquoise embellishment. Although the oldest may be found in Egypt but the finest pieces of turquoise nuggets in a divine light blue color are found in the northern part of Iran.
In ancient legends, people wore a turquoise necklace to protect them from unnatural death. If the stones change its color, the wearer is thought to be in danger. However, this belief was disproved when contemporary researches found out that turquoise really has the potential to change colors depending on certain aspects. They can change color when exposed to the sun in extended hours, or by the chemical reactions to some cosmetics, or can be towards its response to the acidity of the skin. Now, they know that it doesn’t necessarily imply doom.
True, turquoise is a mineral which only scored 6 in Moh’s scale in terms of hardness. They are typically just a bit harder than glass. They are really fragile in nature that’s why precautions and proper care should be observed in order to keep them lasting for years and years to come. Turquoise jewelry should be protected from extreme light, heat, and constant friction with the skin. It is not an appropriate accessory when you plan to go sunbathing. It should be regularly cleaned with a soft cloth.
Due to its natural sensitivity and brittleness, some turquoises are treated before being marketed. They are waxed and then covered with layers of resins and then left to dry and harden. This is done so that it can somehow add to the durability of the stone.
Everything in this world is not run by perfections, each of us has imperfections and flaws but it is what makes us who we are. Just like the turquoise gem, they too have imperfections but it surely doesn’t make them a less better gem than the others, it’s just make them unique!