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What is Treated Turquoise?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

Turquoise is an opaque blue-green mineral that has been used in jewelry since antiquity. Treated turquoise, frequently used in modern jewelry, has been altered from its original state by a process intended to improve the color and/or durability of the natural stone. There are a number of different ways that turquoise may be treated.

Treated turquoise has existed for centuries. The earliest kinds involved a fine application of oil or wax to the stone, making it shine and deepening the color. This type of treated turquoise tends to "sweat" when exposed to heat or sunlight and can become cloudy over the years; however, the treatment can sometimes be successfully reapplied.

Some turquoise backings were made of car battery casings.
Some turquoise backings were made of car battery casings.

Most American turquoise today is stabilized or bonded with a treatment of plastic, epoxy, or water glass. This type of treated turquoise retains its look and luster better than oil or wax treated turquoise, and the stabilization process can be used on turquoise that is too unstable to benefit from the oil or wax method. Epoxy stabilization was developed in the 1950s by Colbaugh Processing of Arizona.

Native American jewelers in the Southwestern United States strengthen thin pieces of high-grade turquoise through a process termed backing. The turquoise is glued to a stronger material to prevent its cracking. Early turquoise backings were made of car battery casings and phonograph records, while modern jewelers usually use epoxy steel resin.

Some turquoise is dyed to improve its color or make it more uniform. Prussian blue is the most common dye used in this treatment. Some people do not like dyed turquoise, as they feel it is artificial, and it sometimes leaves color on the skin or fades.

A relatively new type of treated turquoise is made through the Zachary Process, which involves chemically treating the natural stone and then heating it to improve appearance and durability. Natural turquoise may also be impregnated with vaporized quartz or treated with natural chemicals and soaked in water.

Reconstituted turquoise is the lowest quality treated turquoise. Small fragments of turquoise are pulverized then bonded together, often with foreign filler material. Turquoise purists do not consider reconstituted turquoise to be a genuine gemstone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is treated turquoise?

Treated turquoise is a natural turquoise stone that has undergone various enhancement processes to improve its color, durability, or appearance. These treatments can include stabilization with resins or plastics, dyeing, waxing, or the application of a backing material to reinforce the stone. The aim is to make the turquoise more marketable and suitable for jewelry making.

Why is turquoise commonly treated?

Turquoise is often treated because it is naturally porous and may be too soft or brittle for use in jewelry. According to the Gemological Institute of America, stabilization helps to harden the stone, making it less susceptible to damage from everyday wear. Additionally, treatments can enhance the color, making it more vibrant and consistent, which is highly desired in the gemstone market.

How can you tell if turquoise is treated?

Determining if turquoise is treated typically requires expertise, but there are some signs. Stabilized turquoise often has a plastic-like sheen, while dyed stones may have an unnatural or overly uniform color. Magnification can reveal impregnated resins or dyes in cracks. However, for a definitive assessment, a gemological lab test is recommended.

Does treating turquoise affect its value?

Yes, treating turquoise does affect its value. Natural, untreated turquoise is generally more valuable due to its rarity and natural beauty. Treated turquoise is more abundant and therefore less expensive. However, the quality of the treatment and the final appearance of the stone can also influence its market value.

Are there any downsides to wearing treated turquoise jewelry?

Wearing treated turquoise jewelry has few downsides, especially if the treatment is done well. However, some treatments may make the stone more sensitive to chemicals, heat, or sunlight, potentially affecting its longevity. It's important to care for treated turquoise properly, avoiding harsh cleaning agents and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Is treated turquoise considered a genuine gemstone?

Yes, treated turquoise is considered a genuine gemstone. The base material is natural turquoise, which is then enhanced to meet consumer demands. While it is not as prized as untreated turquoise, it still holds value in the gemstone market and is a popular choice for many types of jewelry.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

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    • Some turquoise backings were made of car battery casings.
      By: NorGal
      Some turquoise backings were made of car battery casings.