How to Tell Real Turquoise From Fake: A Comprehensive Guide
Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hues, has been prized for centuries. However, its popularity has led to a surge in imitation stones. Knowing how to distinguish genuine turquoise from its counterfeits is crucial for both buyers and collectors. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently identify authentic turquoise.
What are the most common ways to fake turquoise?
Many materials are used to imitate turquoise, each with its own distinct characteristics. The most common include:
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Howlite dyed to resemble turquoise: This is a very common imitation. Howlite is a naturally occurring white stone that readily absorbs dyes. The coloring is often uneven, and closer inspection can reveal inconsistencies.
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Glass: Glass can be manufactured to closely mimic the color and even the veining of turquoise. However, glass lacks the characteristic softness and porosity of genuine turquoise.
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Plastic: Plastic imitations are generally inexpensive and easily identifiable due to their unnatural shine and lack of texture.
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Other stones treated to look like turquoise: Various other stones, such as magnesite and even some types of jade, may undergo treatments to resemble turquoise. Identifying these requires a more detailed examination.
How can I tell if my turquoise is real?
Several methods can help determine the authenticity of turquoise:
1. The Feel Test: Genuine turquoise feels relatively soft and slightly porous. You may feel a slight roughness to the surface. Fake turquoise, particularly glass and plastic, will feel smooth and hard.
2. The Streak Test: Lightly rub your stone against an unglazed porcelain tile. Real turquoise will leave a pale greenish-white streak. Imitations will leave a different streak or no streak at all.
3. The Hardness Test: Turquoise is relatively soft (Mohs hardness of 5-6). You should be able to slightly scratch it with a steel knife or file. However, be cautious as this test can damage the stone.
4. Examine the Color and Veining: Natural turquoise often exhibits variations in color and veining. Perfectly uniform color should raise suspicion. Look for natural-looking variations in color and subtle veining patterns. Artificial coloring in imitations is often too even or unnatural.
5. Look for Matrix: Many genuine turquoise stones contain matrix—darker veins or spots of other minerals. The presence of matrix is a strong indicator of authenticity, although its absence doesn't automatically mean it's fake.
6. Check for Inclusions: Real turquoise often contains tiny inclusions, which are essentially small impurities trapped within the stone. These are natural imperfections that add to the stone's unique character. Fake turquoise usually lacks these inclusions.
7. Consider the Price: While not definitive proof, exceptionally cheap turquoise should raise a red flag. High-quality, genuine turquoise can be expensive.
What is the best way to identify real turquoise?
There's no single foolproof method. A combination of the tests described above, along with careful visual inspection, offers the best chance of accurate identification. If you are unsure, it's always best to consult a qualified gemologist or jeweler.
Can I test turquoise at home?
Yes, you can perform the feel, streak, and hardness tests at home. However, be gentle to avoid damaging the stone. For more advanced testing, professional appraisal is recommended.
Where can I get my turquoise tested?
Reputable jewelers and gemological laboratories offer turquoise authentication services. They typically use more advanced methods, such as spectral analysis, to confirm authenticity.
By using this comprehensive guide and combining multiple testing methods, you'll greatly increase your ability to differentiate real turquoise from its many imitations. Remember, cautious examination and informed purchasing are crucial steps to acquiring genuine turquoise pieces.
