Turquoise is a rare blue to green mineral which is categorized as a gem and ornamental stone. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum with the chemical equation of CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. It has captured the interest of ancient times where in some of these stones were found in the burial sites of ancient people. Today, the gem material’s popularity is on a wider scope, conquering some of the major markets across the entire world.
Turquoise is considered to be a stone of life, fortune and special healing properties. In some parts of the world Turquoise has been utilized, let’s say in Egypt it was used in the art figures and ornaments and it was mentioned that it possess mystical powers. In India it was used for medical purposes, arts and jewelries.
Americans in the South and North region used Turquoise gems in their religion, art, trade and jewelry. With this regard we can conclude that this kind of gem has really been popular ever since. There are different types of Turquoise gem, this includes the following.
1. Natural – Comes directly from mines. Some of the turquoise mines include the Southwest Turquoise Mines and Chinese Turquoise Mines.
2. Stabilized – A natural turquoise often in nugget form. It is submerged into a stabilizing compound and dried, cut and prepared for jewelry.
3. Treated – Gems are Colored for enhancement and looked like Turquoise.
4. Fake and Synthetic – Bones, ceramics, celluloid and plastics are used to imitate turquoise.
Below is a photo of a natural Turquoise. It was caught in the Turquoise mines of China.
