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Turquoise

Turquoise is a porous, opaque to semitranslucent mineral consisting of a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, renowned for its distinctive sky-blue to greenish hues and valued as one of the world's oldest gemstones.^[1] Its chemical formula is CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O to 5H₂O, formed through the interaction of copper-rich groundwater percolating through aluminous, weathered rock in arid environments.^[2] With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 and a specific gravity of approximately 2.76, turquoise exhibits a waxy luster and is often found in nodular or vein-like deposits, sometimes veined with brown limonite matrix that enhances its aesthetic appeal.^[1] The gem's color, primarily derived from copper content, ranges from vivid sky blue—historically prized as "Persian blue"—to apple green when influenced by iron or other impurities, making it a cryptocrystalline aggregate rather than a single crystal.^[3] Turquoise occurs primarily in dry, barren regions associated with copper deposits, where supergene enrichment processes concentrate the mineral in fractures and voids.^[2] Major sources include the southwestern United States (such as Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado), Iran (notably the Nishapur mines), China (Hubei Province), Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, and Tibet, with the U.S. now producing some of the finest quality material globally.^[3] Due to its porosity, natural turquoise is often stabilized with resins to improve durability for jewelry, while synthetic versions and imitations like dyed howlite pose common identification challenges.^[1] High-value specimens are selected for their intense color, minimal matrix, and even polishability, with prices for top-grade material reaching up to $2,200 per kilogram.^[2] Historically, turquoise has been cherished across civilizations for over 6,000 years, with evidence of its use in Egyptian tombs dating to around 4000 BCE, where it was known as mefkat symbolizing joy and mined from the Sinai Peninsula.^[1] In Mesoamerica, Aztec rulers like Montezuma gifted it to Spanish conquistadors in 1519, while Persian artisans incorporated it into intricate silver jewelry for millennia, establishing it as a symbol of protection and prosperity.^[1] Native American cultures in the American Southwest adopted it around 200 BCE for ceremonial objects and, by the late 19th century, popularized the iconic silver-and-turquoise style that persists today.^[2] In China, its 9,000-year legacy underscores its role in imperial adornments and traditional medicine.^[4] As a gemstone, turquoise is most commonly cut into cabochons, beads, or freeform shapes for necklaces, rings, and earrings, and it serves as the December birthstone and the traditional gem for the 11th wedding anniversary.^[1] Beyond jewelry, it has been carved into sculptures, mosaics, and architectural inlays, reflecting its cultural significance in spiritual and protective talismans across Native American, Tibetan, and Islamic traditions.^[3] Today, ethical sourcing from established mines like those in Nevada—estimated to generate $40–50 million annually—supports its continued prominence in global markets, though overmining and treatments require careful authentication.^[2]

Etymology and Nomenclature

Origin of the Name

The word "turquoise" originates from the ancient Persian term fīrūzeh (also spelled firuzeh or pirouzeh), which derives from pīrūz, meaning "victorious" or "victory," reflecting the stone's esteemed status in Persian culture as a symbol of success and protection.^[5] This name was adopted into Arabic as fayrūz or fayrūzah during the early Islamic period, as turquoise from Persian mines, particularly those in Nishapur, Iran, became integral to trade and adornment across the Middle East.^[6] By the 12th and 13th centuries, turquoise reached Europe primarily through trade routes controlled by Turkish merchants, who imported the gem from its primary sources in Persia via Anatolia. This led to its naming in Old French as pierre turquoise, literally "Turkish stone," emphasizing the intermediary role of Turkey in its European introduction rather than its geological origin.^[7] The term first appeared in European texts around this time, such as in medieval lapidaries and trade records, highlighting the gem's arrival as a luxury import from the East.^[8] The name evolved into Middle English as turkeis or turtogis by the late 14th century, influenced by Anglo-French turkeise, and was fully established as "turquoise" in its modern form by the 16th century, replacing earlier variants while retaining the association with Turkish trade pathways.^[9] This linguistic progression underscores the gem's journey from ancient Persian valorization to a staple in European jewelry and nomenclature, shaped by medieval commerce along the Silk Road extensions.^[10]

Varieties and Trade Names

Turquoise is classified primarily by its color variations, which range from desirable sky blue and robin's egg blue hues to greenish tones, influenced by the presence of copper for blue shades and iron for green ones.^[11] The most prized colors are even, intense medium blues, often semitranslucent with a waxy luster, while greener varieties are generally less valued but appreciated for their unique earthy tones in certain designs.^[11] These color differences arise from trace elements in the mineral's formation, with higher copper content yielding purer blues and iron impurities shifting the spectrum toward green.^[12] Notable varieties include Sleeping Beauty turquoise from Arizona, USA, recognized for its uniform, vivid sky blue color with minimal matrix, making it highly sought after for its clean, polished appearance.^[11]^[13] Persian turquoise, sourced from Iran's Nishapur mines, exemplifies high-quality blue-green material with a smooth, vibrant medium blue often termed "Persian blue," valued for its historical significance and consistent saturation.^[11]^[14] Chinese turquoise, particularly from deposits like Tianhu East in Xinjiang, tends to exhibit greenish blue to green colors, occurring as veins or nodules with a waxy to glassy luster and occasional spiderweb matrix patterns.^[4]^[13] In the trade, terms like "block turquoise" refer to reconstituted material made from ground turquoise powder mixed with resin and dyes, often used for affordable jewelry but distinct from natural stones due to its uniform, block-formed structure.^[13] Conversely, "nodule" describes naturally occurring pure turquoise pieces or clumps formed in rock fractures, typically without heavy matrix and prized for their organic shapes.^[13] Regional naming conventions, especially for Persian turquoise, include classifications such as Anqushtari for fine, matrix-free deep blue stones suitable for rings; Barkhaneh for intermediate-quality pieces with more markings; and Arabi for paler, greenish, or matrix-spotted varieties.^[15]^[16]

Mineralogical Properties

Chemical Composition

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate mineral of copper and aluminum, with the ideal chemical formula \ce{CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 \cdot 4H2O}.^[17] This composition features copper cations occupying a specific site in the structure, aluminum forming the octahedral framework, phosphate tetrahedra, hydroxide groups, and four molecules of water of hydration, which collectively define its status as a member of the turquoise group.^[4] Variations in the formula occur through substitutions, such as iron replacing some aluminum or zinc substituting for copper, leading to compositional diversity across natural samples.^[18] The characteristic blue color of turquoise arises primarily from the presence of copper ions (\ce{Cu^2+}), which absorb light in the red region of the spectrum.^[19] When iron (\ce{Fe^3+}) partially substitutes for aluminum, it shifts the hue toward green by enhancing absorption in the blue-violet range, a effect observed in many natural deposits.^[19] Trace elements like zinc, which can replace up to significant portions of copper, tend to mute the blue intensity, while manganese may contribute to subtle brownish tones in some specimens, influencing overall color variations without altering the core phosphate structure.^[18] The hydration level in turquoise, specifically the four water molecules per formula unit, is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and optical properties. Dehydration, often induced by exposure to heat or dry environments, can cause the mineral to become brittle, fade in color, and lose stability, potentially leading to cracking or phase transformation.^[20] This vulnerability underscores the need for protective treatments in gem use. To verify the chemical composition of turquoise, analytical techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) are commonly employed, enabling non-destructive detection of major elements like copper, aluminum, phosphorus, and iron, as well as trace impurities.^[19] These methods provide quantitative data on elemental ratios, confirming authenticity and distinguishing natural from treated or synthetic varieties.^[21]

Crystal Structure

Turquoise crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system with space group P\overline{1}. The unit cell parameters are approximately a = 7.41 Å, b = 7.63 Å, c = 9.90 Å, \alpha \approx 68.4^\circ, \beta \approx 69.7^\circ, \gamma \approx 65.1^\circ, and Z = 1.^[22] This structure was first determined by Cid-Dresdner in 1965 and later refined, confirming the centrosymmetric arrangement.^[23] The atomic framework features a layered arrangement parallel to the (001) plane, built from edge- and corner-sharing AlO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra that form infinite sheets. Copper ions occupy distorted octahedral sites (often denoted as M sites) within these layers, coordinated to four hydroxide groups and two water molecules in a 4+2 configuration, contributing to the overall stability.^[22] The presence of copper in these distorted sites is responsible for the mineral's coloration, though the precise spectroscopic effects are detailed in its chemical composition.^[22] Turquoise exhibits an amorphous to cryptocrystalline (microcrystalline) habit in most occurrences, forming massive, nodular, or vein-filling aggregates rather than well-formed crystals. Visible crystals are exceedingly rare, typically appearing as small, pseudorhombohedral or pinacoidal forms up to a few millimeters in size.^[24] For identification, X-ray diffraction is essential, yielding characteristic powder patterns with prominent peaks at d-spacings of 3.674 Å (strongest), 2.900 Å, and 6.165 Å, among others.^[25]

Physical and Optical Properties

Turquoise exhibits a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, making it relatively soft compared to many other gemstones and susceptible to scratching by harder materials like quartz.^[1]^[26] Its specific gravity ranges from 2.5 to 2.9, with typical values around 2.6 to 2.8, varying due to differences in hydration levels and porosity as noted in its chemical composition.^[1]^[26]^[27] Optically, turquoise has a refractive index of 1.610 to 1.650, measured as an aggregate due to its cryptocrystalline structure, with birefringence not detectable.^[1]^[26] It displays a vitreous to waxy luster, which can appear dull or chalky in weathered specimens.^[26] The mineral is typically translucent to opaque, with translucency more common in finer-grained varieties.^[1] Pleochroism is absent, attributable to its microcrystalline nature that prevents observable color shifts in different directions.^[27] Turquoise lacks cleavage, occurring in massive or cryptocrystalline form where crystal faces are not developed.^[27] Its fracture is conchoidal to earthy, reflecting its brittle yet porous texture.^[27]^[26] A key diagnostic feature is its porosity, which allows the stone to absorb dyes, oils, or water, often used to enhance color or stabilize the material but also aiding in identification by testing absorption.^[26] Under ultraviolet light, natural turquoise typically shows dull or no fluorescence, distinguishing it from some treated or imitation varieties that may fluoresce more strongly.^[28]

Geology and Formation

Formation Processes

Turquoise is a secondary mineral that forms primarily through supergene enrichment processes in the near-surface weathering zones of copper-bearing deposits. This involves the chemical alteration of primary minerals by descending waters, leading to the redistribution and concentration of elements. Specifically, turquoise precipitates when copper-rich, phosphate-laden solutions interact with aluminum-bearing host rocks under oxidative conditions.^[29]^[2] The formation begins with the percolation of acidic groundwater or meteoric waters through fractured, weathered rocks, dissolving and transporting essential ions. Copper is sourced from primary sulfides like chalcopyrite in volcanic or sedimentary deposits, while aluminum derives from aluminosilicates such as feldspars, kaolin, or sericite in the host rock. Phosphorus enters the system from the weathering of apatite, guano deposits, or other phosphatic minerals, creating phosphate-rich solutions that react to form the hydrated copper aluminum phosphate mineral. These solutions typically exhibit low pH values, around 4-5, facilitating the solubility of metals and phosphates.^[30]^[31]^[32]^[4] This process thrives in arid or semiarid environments, where limited rainfall and high evaporation promote the concentration of dissolved ions through repeated wetting and drying cycles. Turquoise deposits develop slowly over millions of years at low temperatures, generally from surface conditions up to about 100°C, and at relatively low pressures typical of supergene settings. The resulting mineral commonly appears as irregular veins, nodules, or fracture fillings within the host rock, often associated with limonite or sandstone matrices that influence its coloration and texture.^[30]^[33]^[2]

Associated Minerals and Rocks

Turquoise deposits are frequently associated with limonite, an iron oxide that serves as a common matrix material, imparting dark brown veining to the mineral.^[30] Chalcopyrite, a primary copper sulfide, acts as the key source of copper, which is mobilized through supergene oxidation processes.^[34] Other primary associates include quartz, often occurring as vein fillings alongside turquoise, and clay minerals such as kaolinite, which form during the alteration of host materials.^[35] The mineral typically occurs within specific host rocks, including volcanic tuffs and breccias, where it fills fractures and voids in altered igneous terrains.^[24] Sedimentary phosphorites also host turquoise in phosphate-rich environments, particularly where phosphorus is abundant for its formation.^[36] These associations arise as turquoise precipitates in the oxidized zones above primary ore bodies. In the paragenetic sequence, turquoise forms subsequent to the oxidation of primary sulfides like chalcopyrite and pyrite, during which acidic, copper-bearing waters interact with aluminum- and phosphorus-rich rocks to deposit the mineral.^[29] For instance, in certain U.S. deposits, a distinctive black matrix results from manganese oxides such as pyrolusite, creating webbed patterns within the turquoise.^[37]

Sources and Mining

Major Deposits Worldwide

Turquoise deposits are primarily found in arid regions associated with copper mineralization, often within volcanic or granitic host rocks where secondary enrichment processes concentrate the mineral in veins or fractures. These formations typically occur in tectonically active areas with low water tables, allowing phosphate-rich solutions to precipitate turquoise over geological timescales.^[2] Globally, significant deposits are concentrated in a few key locations, with Iran, the southwestern United States, and ancient Egyptian sites leading in historical and gem-quality production.^[14] The Nishapur (also spelled Neyshabur) mines in northeastern Iran's Khorasan Province represent the world's oldest and most renowned turquoise source, with mining evidence dating back over 7,000 years to the Neolithic period. These deposits, hosted in Eocene-age volcanosedimentary rocks, yield the highest-quality sky-blue turquoise, prized for its uniform color and low porosity, and have historically accounted for a substantial portion of global supply—estimated at around 70% of production in ancient trade networks. As of 2025, annual output from the main Nishapur mine is approximately 19,000 kilograms, though historical yields were lower, closer to 10,000 kilograms per year before modern mechanization.^[14]^[38] The mines' reserves are estimated at approximately 3,000 tons, supporting ongoing extraction in a region where turquoise veins are intergrown with limonite and iron oxides.^[39] In the United States, the southwestern states host some of the most diverse turquoise deposits, particularly in arid volcanic terrains of Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, where matrix varieties with host rock inclusions are common. Arizona's Kingman mine in the Mineral Park district, active since prehistoric times, produces blue-green stones with black chert matrix, while the nearby Morenci mine yields variscite-associated material from copper porphyry deposits. Nevada's Carico Lake deposit in Lander County is noted for its rare spiderweb patterns in a white host, though production has dwindled. New Mexico's Cerrillos Hills, near Santa Fe, feature ancient workings in a volcanic caldera setting, producing spiderweb and blue-green turquoise from fractured rhyolite, with the district recognized as one of North America's earliest mining areas. Overall U.S. production has declined sharply due to stringent federal environmental regulations and high operational costs, with major mines like Arizona's Sleeping Beauty having closed in 2012.^[2]^[40]^[41] The Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, particularly the Serabit el-Khadim site, was a primary pharaonic source of turquoise from the Middle Kingdom onward (circa 2000 BCE), with deposits formed in Precambrian serpentinite and metavolcanic rocks altered by hydrothermal fluids. These ancient mines, dedicated to the goddess Hathor (associated with turquoise), supplied gem material for royal adornments, though modern yields are negligible due to exhaustion and site protection. The site's geological context links it to regional copper mineralization, emphasizing turquoise's typical association with arid, tectonically fractured terrains.^[42]^[43] Other notable deposits include China's Hubei Province (such as Yunxian), where green turquoise forms in association with iron ore deposits, and the Tianhu East deposit in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, producing material with atacamite inclusions in non-magmatic hydrothermal systems distinct from classic blue varieties. Mexico's Sonora state yields clear blue stones from deposits adjacent to U.S. sources, often resembling Arizona turquoise in color but with finer grain. Australia's darker, greenish deposits occur in arid outback regions, while Tibet's high-altitude mines in the eastern mountains (Derge and Nagari-Khorsum areas) provide gem-quality material used traditionally in jewelry, formed in alpine volcanic settings. These lesser-known sources contribute variably to global supply, with production estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilograms annually, though data is limited due to artisanal operations.^[4]^[44]^[45]

Historical and Current Mining Practices

Turquoise mining has ancient origins, with evidence of extraction dating back to around 3500 BCE in the Sinai Peninsula, where ancient Egyptians employed open-pit quarrying techniques to access deposits in sandstone formations at sites such as Wadi Magharah and Serabit el-Khadim.^[46] Workers carved large galleries into the mountainsides using basic manual tools, creating extensive networks of shafts and open-cut workings for seasonal, intermittent operations that supported jewelry and ceremonial uses.^[47] In parallel, turquoise mining in Iran at the Neyshabur site began over 7,000 years ago, initially involving surface extraction with hand tools like hammers and chisels to follow shallow veins, before evolving into underground tunneling to pursue deeper deposits.^[48] By the 19th and 20th centuries, mining practices shifted toward mechanization in the United States, particularly in Nevada, where discoveries in the 1870s led to the establishment of turquoise camps operating from the 1890s through the 1980s.^[49] Prospectors used dynamite for blasting and mechanical digging to expose veins in volcanic host rocks, enabling larger-scale extraction at sites like the Blue Gem and Number 8 mines, which supported booming local operations amid the broader silver and gold rushes.^[50] These efforts peaked in the 1970s, when U.S. production reached its height, with Nevada mines contributing the majority of output estimated at several hundred thousand kilograms cumulatively across the century.^[51] Contemporary turquoise mining remains predominantly small-scale and artisanal, reflecting the mineral's fragility and the need for careful extraction to preserve quality. In Iran, the Neyshabur mine—now managed by a local cooperative—employs over 200 workers in three active tunnels using pneumatic drills, controlled blasting, and rail systems for a stope-and-pillar approach, yielding approximately 19 tons annually through regulated auctions as of 2025.^[38] Similarly, in China, operations at sites like Tianhu East in Xinjiang involve small-scale open-pit methods by local miners, though activity has been limited or prohibited in protected areas since the 2010s.^[4] In the U.S., extraction occurs on regulated claims overseen by the Bureau of Land Management, primarily through manual and low-impact techniques at remaining Nevada and New Mexico sites to avoid damaging the soft stone, with Iran dominating global production.^[52]

Environmental and Sustainability Issues

Turquoise mining, primarily conducted in arid and semi-arid environments, often results in significant habitat disruption through surface excavation, vegetation clearing, and soil disturbance, which can degrade fragile desert ecosystems and affect local biodiversity.^[53] In regions like the American Southwest, these activities contribute to erosion and loss of native plant and animal habitats, exacerbating vulnerability in water-scarce areas.^[54] Water contamination poses another major environmental challenge, particularly from acid mine drainage (AMD) generated by the oxidation of copper-bearing sulfides associated with turquoise deposits.^[55] This process releases acidic water laden with heavy metals, polluting groundwater and surface streams, as observed in mining districts of New Mexico where turquoise occurs alongside copper mineralization.^[54] Such contamination can persist long after operations cease, impacting aquatic life and downstream water users.^[56] In the United States, stringent regulations under the Endangered Species Act have imposed restrictions on turquoise mining to protect threatened species, leading to closures or modifications in sensitive areas, including parts of the Navajo Nation following enhanced environmental oversight in the early 2000s.^[57] These measures prioritize habitat conservation in arid mining zones, often requiring environmental impact assessments before permitting new operations.^[58] Sustainability efforts in turquoise mining include mandated reclamation projects, particularly in Nevada, where state regulations require operators to restore disturbed lands post-extraction. For instance, the May Turquoise Mine in Crescent Valley operates under a permit from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Mining Regulation and Reclamation, outlining closure plans to revegetate and stabilize the site.^[59] In the 2020s, emerging initiatives for ethical sourcing have gained traction, emphasizing transparent supply chains and reduced environmental footprints, though turquoise-specific certifications remain underdeveloped compared to other gemstones.^[60] Globally, unregulated turquoise mining sites in China and Tibetan regions face overexploitation, leading to severe environmental degradation such as soil erosion, waste accumulation, and water pollution from unchecked operations.^[61] These activities often lack reclamation, resulting in abandoned pits that pose ongoing ecological risks.^[62] Climate change is intensifying aridity in turquoise formation zones, potentially altering groundwater flow and evaporation rates critical to the mineral's supergene deposition processes in arid environments.^[63] This could hinder future turquoise development by disrupting the hydrological conditions necessary for mineral precipitation over geological timescales.^[64]

Historical Development

Prehistoric and Ancient Use

The earliest known use of turquoise in the ancient Near East dates to the Neolithic period in western Iran, where archaeological evidence from the Deh Luran Plain indicates its utilization around 7000 BCE, likely for beads and ornaments.^[65] By the turn of the third millennium BCE, turquoise from an unidentified source had reached Mesopotamia and Iran, highlighting early exchange networks across the region.^[66] These imports highlight turquoise's value as a prestige material in Mesopotamian society, often combined with other semiprecious stones in jewelry and decorative items. In ancient Egypt, turquoise held significant cultural importance from the Predynastic period onward, with fragments found in el-Qaa tombs dating to approximately 5000 BCE.^[66] Mining expeditions to the Sinai Peninsula, particularly at Wadi Maghara and Serabit el-Khadim, began during the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3100–2649 BCE) and intensified in the Old Kingdom (c. 2649–2130 BCE), where pharaohs dispatched teams to extract the stone alongside copper, leaving behind tools, inscriptions, and rock carvings that document the labor-intensive operations.^[66] By the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE), turquoise featured prominently in royal artifacts, such as the gold filigree bracelet inlaid with Sinai turquoise discovered on Tutankhamun's mummified arm (c. 1323 BCE), and Ptolemaic scarabs from the late first millennium BCE, which incorporated the stone in amulets and seals.^[67] These expeditions, often state-sponsored and protected by military escorts, underscore turquoise's role in elite adornment and religious symbolism. In the Americas, turquoise use dates back to prehistoric times. In the Southwestern United States, Native American cultures such as the Hohokam and Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) began incorporating turquoise around 200 BCE, sourcing it from local deposits in Arizona and New Mexico for beads, pendants, mosaics, and ceremonial objects. This material was valued in trade networks across the region and held spiritual significance, symbolizing water, sky, and life.^[2]^[68] Turquoise use in Mesoamerica traces its roots to the Classic period (c. 250–900 CE), where Maya and Zapotec cultures employed it in mosaics and ornaments, transitioning from jade to turquoise as the preferred material for ceremonial objects.^[69] This practice evolved into the Postclassic period (c. 900–1521 CE), exemplified by Aztec and Mixtec artifacts like the double-headed serpent mosaic (c. 15th century CE), a wooden sculpture covered in turquoise tesserae symbolizing divine power and fertility, with ancient precedents in earlier serpent iconography.^[70] Geochemical analyses confirm that much of this turquoise originated from Mesoamerican deposits, indicating localized sourcing rather than extensive long-distance imports during prehispanic times.^[71] Trade networks facilitating turquoise's movement emerged by 2000 BCE, with precursors to the Silk Road linking Iranian sources—such as those near Nishapur—to Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean via overland routes through Central Asia and the Levant.^[66] These exchanges, involving merchants and nomadic intermediaries, integrated turquoise into broader circuits of lapis lazuli and other luxury goods, fostering cultural and economic connections across the ancient world.^[72]

Medieval to 19th Century

During the Islamic Golden Age, particularly under the Abbasid Caliphate from the 9th to 13th centuries, turquoise held significant value in Persian jewelry and protective amulets due to its believed talismanic properties. Sourced primarily from mines near Nishapur in northeastern Iran, the gemstone was frequently set into silver rings and other adornments, such as cast or forged silver pieces fabricated from sheet metal.^[73] Medieval texts noted that Persian rulers wore turquoise to ward off dangers by land or sea, enhancing its role in amulets and elite ornamentation.^[74] The Ottoman Empire exerted considerable control over turquoise trade routes from the 15th to 19th centuries, channeling Persian turquoise through Turkish territories to Europe and beyond, which influenced the gemstone's nomenclature. This monopoly on transiting the valuable blue-green stone from Khorasan (modern-day Iran) led Europeans to associate it with Turkey, resulting in the French term pierre turquoise—literally "Turkish stone"—that evolved into the English "turquoise" by the 16th century.^[75] Ottoman traders facilitated its distribution across the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean networks, underscoring the empire's pivotal role in global gem commerce. In the European Renaissance, following the 1492 Columbian exchange, turquoise appeared prominently in Spanish colonial silverwork across the Americas, often as cabochon settings that highlighted its vibrant color against ornate metal frameworks. A notable example is the 16th-century "Hearst Chalice" from Mexico, crafted in silver and adorned with turquoise cabochons alongside coral beads and chased motifs, reflecting the fusion of indigenous materials with European techniques in viceregal art.^[76] This integration marked turquoise's transition from Eastern trade goods to a staple in New World ecclesiastical and decorative objects, symbolizing wealth and cultural synthesis. By the 19th century, turquoise experienced a revival among Native American communities in the US Southwest, particularly among the Navajo, who adapted Spanish colonial silversmithing techniques to incorporate the stone into jewelry. Late in the century, Navajo artisans began commercializing silver and turquoise pieces, such as squash blossom necklaces and concho belts, drawing on longstanding sacred traditions while responding to growing demand from Anglo-American tourists and traders.^[77] Concurrently, Victorian-era jewelry in Europe and America embraced turquoise in cameos and parures, carving the gem into intricate relief portraits that evoked classical antiquity and suited the era's romantic aesthetic.^[78] This period also saw a mining surge in Nevada during the 1880s, as prospectors amid the broader silver boom explored deposits in districts like Royston and Virgin Valley, yielding high-quality turquoise that fueled both Native and commercial markets.^[79]

20th Century and Beyond

In the early 20th century, Zuni Pueblo silversmiths in New Mexico significantly advanced turquoise jewelry techniques, gaining widespread popularity in the United States during the 1920s through 1940s. Artisans like Juan de Dios, who began hallmarking pieces in the 1930s, pioneered channel inlay methods using high-quality Blue Gem turquoise, while Horace Iule created cluster bracelets and Knife Wing God designs by 1928. These innovations, including petit point and needlepoint styles, were showcased in trading posts such as C.G. Wallace's establishment in 1928, which elevated Zuni work to fine art status, as evidenced by a 1975 Sotheby's auction. By 1940, professional silversmithing had become common across New Mexico Pueblos, driven by increased commercial turquoise mining that supplied abundant material for diverse earrings, necklaces, and bracelets featuring turquoise discs and floral motifs.^[80]^[81]^[82] Mid-century demand for turquoise jewelry surged in the 1950s, largely influenced by Hollywood's portrayal in Western films, where stars and characters donned Navajo and Zuni pieces like bolo ties and squash blossom necklaces. This media exposure romanticized Southwestern Native American aesthetics, boosting public interest and commercialization among non-Native consumers, particularly in California. Indian artists responded by refining designs to meet the growing market, transforming turquoise silverwork from traditional craft to a staple of American popular culture.^[83]^[84] Toward the late 20th century, turquoise mining faced challenges with key U.S. deposits depleting, exemplified by the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, which ceased turquoise production in 2012 after prioritizing copper extraction, though it had intermittent operations following an early 1960s closure. This scarcity paralleled the rise of synthetic turquoise simulants, first developed by Pierre Gilson in 1972 as a chemically bonded alternative mimicking natural compositions in fine and spiderwebbed varieties. These developments addressed supply shortages but raised authenticity concerns in the jewelry trade.^[85]^[86]^[87] Entering the 21st century, ethical jewelry movements emphasized sustainable turquoise sourcing, promoting fair trade practices, recycled metals, and certifications like Fairtrade Gold to support indigenous communities and minimize environmental impacts from mining. The proliferation of online markets further transformed access, with e-commerce platforms enabling direct sales from artisans and enabling global reach for authentic pieces, projecting a 3.2% CAGR in the turquoise jewelry sector through 2035 driven by digital retail trends. However, post-2020 global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, caused significant supply chain disruptions, halting mining operations, delaying transportation, and reducing availability, which elevated prices and strained production.^[60]^[88]^[89]

Cultural Significance

Symbolism Across Cultures

In Persian and Islamic traditions, turquoise is highly regarded as a protective talisman against the evil eye, a harmful force believed to arise from envy or malice, with wearers often placing it on turbans—sometimes encircled by pearls—to deflect such negativity.^[90]^[91] This stone also holds the status of the traditional birthstone for December, embodying themes of prosperity, good fortune, and safeguarding the wearer from misfortune.^[92] Among Native American peoples, particularly the Navajo and other Southwestern tribes such as the Zuni, Hopi, and Pueblo, turquoise symbolizes the vast sky and life-giving water, evoking the blue expanse above and the fertile moisture essential for survival and renewal.^[92]^[93] Referred to as the "sky stone," it represents creation, security, beauty, bountiful harvests, and overall protection, with its vibrant hue linking the earthly realm to celestial forces.^[93] In Navajo practices, turquoise features prominently in medicine bundles and healing rituals, where it is valued for its purported powers to promote health, safety, and spiritual restoration, often incorporated into ceremonies for birth, puberty, marriage, and recovery from illness.^[93] In Tibetan Buddhism, turquoise is deemed a sacred stone, closely tied to the purity of the sky and revered for conferring spiritual protection, clarity, and balance to body and mind.^[92]^[94] It is believed to absorb negative energies and offer safeguarding against evil, aligning with Buddhist ideals of compassion and enlightenment.^[92] Frequently inlaid into prayer wheels alongside other gems like coral and lapis lazuli, turquoise enhances these devotional objects, which symbolize the boundless wisdom and merit accumulation central to Buddhist practice, aiding practitioners in cultivating insight and purifying karma.^[95]^[96] Within contemporary New Age spirituality, turquoise is celebrated for its resonance with the throat chakra, where it is thought to foster authentic communication, creative expression, and the release of emotional blockages to enable honest and harmonious dialogue.^[97] This alignment promotes self-confidence in speaking one's truth while inviting inner peace and spiritual understanding.^[97] Drawing from diverse cultural legacies, it is commonly fashioned into cross-cultural amulets for personal protection, warding off negativity and supporting emotional equilibrium in daily life.^[97]

Use in Art, Jewelry, and Ceremonies

Turquoise has been shaped primarily into cabochons for jewelry due to its relatively soft nature (Mohs hardness of 5–6), allowing for smooth, domed surfaces that highlight its vibrant blue-green color without faceting.^[30] This technique dates back millennia and remains prevalent in contemporary designs, where cabochons are set in silver or gold bezels to protect the stone.^[7] In Persian craftsmanship, turquoise chips from the Neyshabur mines are embedded using the firoozeh kubi (turquoise inlay) method, where small fragments are cut to fit precisely into engraved patterns on copper, silver, or wood bases, often combined with gold wire for intricate motifs like floral designs or calligraphy.^[14] Zuni artisans employ mosaic inlay, fitting tiny pieces of turquoise alongside shell, coral, and jet into silver channels to form symbolic images such as animals or cultural icons, creating a puzzle-like surface that emphasizes pattern over individual stones.^[98] Beading techniques appear in Maasai adornments, where turquoise beads or cabochons are strung into layered necklaces alongside glass and shell, forming bold collars that denote social status and are worn during communal gatherings.^[99] In artistic applications, turquoise enhances decorative objects across cultures through inlay and glazing. Chinese cloisonné enamelware from the Ming dynasty onward frequently features turquoise as a background color, achieved by applying turquoise-colored enamel within wire partitions on bronze or copper bases, as seen in incense burners and vases with floral motifs symbolizing prosperity.^[100] During the Timurid era (14th–15th centuries) in Persia, turquoise-glazed fritware tiles were cut into star shapes and assembled into mihrabs and wall panels, their cobalt-turquoise hues providing a luminous backdrop for arabesque patterns in mosques like those in Khurasan.^[101] Modern Zuni petit point jewelry exemplifies evolution in stonework, involving the precise cutting and setting of numerous tiny turquoise cabochons (often under 3 mm) into silver to form dense, textured surfaces, as in earrings and rings that build on ancestral mosaic traditions.^[102] Ceremonial uses integrate turquoise into ritual objects for its protective qualities. Hopi kachina dolls, carved from cottonwood root and used in initiation rites to teach spiritual lessons, are often adorned with turquoise beads, inlays, or cabochons on headdresses and bodies to represent sky spirits and invoke harmony.^[103] In Tibetan Buddhist practices, thangka paintings—scrolls depicting deities—are framed with silver or brocade incorporating turquoise beads or inlays, enhancing the artwork's role in meditation and temple ceremonies as a conduit for divine energy.^[104] Middle Eastern wedding talismans, particularly in Iran and Central Asia, feature turquoise set in silver amulets or rings worn by brides to symbolize purity and ward off misfortune, drawing on the stone's association with prosperity and chastity during marital rites.^[105] The evolution of turquoise's application reflects advancements in processing, shifting from ancient raw nuggets drilled for beads or amulets in Native American and Persian contexts to modern stabilized stones treated with resin for durability in intricate inlays and cabochons, enabling finer details in both traditional and contemporary pieces.^[7]

Commercial Aspects

Modern Uses and Applications

In contemporary decorative arts, turquoise stone continues to be employed in intricate inlays for furniture, wall panels, and home decor items, blending traditional Persian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics to create vibrant, patterned surfaces. ^[106] For instance, small pieces of turquoise are embedded into metal or wood bases to form ornamental trays, boxes, and vases that serve as statement pieces in interior design. ^[107] These applications extend to fashion accessories beyond traditional jewelry, such as hair barrettes, belt buckles, and money clips accented with turquoise inlays, offering versatile, non-wearable enhancements to personal style. ^[108] Industrially, turquoise-derived pigments produce distinctive blue-green hues used in paints for artistic, architectural, and decorative purposes, with natural and synthetic forms providing lightfast, stable coloration in oils, watercolors, and plasters. ^[109] In ceramics, cobalt turquoise pigments are integral to glazes for porcelain and fine china, ensuring vibrant, heat-resistant finishes that withstand temperatures up to 1000°C without fading. ^[110] Additionally, environmentally friendly synthetic turquoise blue pigments, such as Li1.33Ti1.66O4, find applications in industrial coatings, inks, plastics, and cosmetics due to their non-toxic composition and durability. ^[111] As collectibles, investment-grade turquoise specimens—particularly rare, untreated stones from historic mines like those in Nevada or Arizona—are prized by enthusiasts for their unique color intensity, spiderweb matrix patterns, and provenance, often appreciating significantly, with some segments showing 15-20% annualized growth in recent years. ^[108] ^[112] Collectors seek out high-grade cabochons and raw nodules, such as crystalline varieties from Lynch Station, Virginia, for display in private cabinets or as tangible assets. ^[3] Museum reproductions of ancient artifacts, like Aztec mosaics, also utilize turquoise to replicate historical pieces authentically, preserving cultural heritage through modern fabrication techniques. ^[3] Emerging applications in sustainable fashion incorporate turquoise alongside recycled materials, such as sterling silver, to create eco-conscious accessories that minimize mining impacts while maintaining aesthetic appeal. ^[60] Tech-inspired designs post-2010 leverage 3D printing to produce custom settings for turquoise stones, allowing precise, intricate bezels and prongs fabricated from castable resins before final metal casting, which expands creative possibilities in decorative objects. ^[113]

Valuation and Market Factors

The valuation of turquoise in the gem market adapts the traditional "4 Cs" framework—color, clarity, cut, and carat weight—to account for the stone's unique properties, emphasizing aesthetic and structural qualities over the facets typical of diamonds.^[114] Color is the primary determinant, with even, intense medium blue hues, often termed "Persian blue" or "robin's egg blue," commanding the highest premiums due to their rarity and historical prestige; greenish tones are generally less desirable unless sought for specific design purposes.^[11] Clarity, adapted to turquoise's opaque nature, focuses on low porosity and compactness, as highly porous stones are more prone to cracking and require stabilization, reducing their value compared to dense, smoothly polishable specimens.^[3] Carat weight plays a role through size rarity, as large, uniform pieces over 10 carats are scarce, particularly in high-quality material, amplifying worth for collectors and jewelers.^[11] Cut is standardized as cabochons to showcase the stone's color and texture, with smooth, rounded domes preferred to highlight translucency and avoid faceting, which is rare due to turquoise's brittleness.^[11] Origin significantly influences premium pricing, with turquoise from historic Persian (Iranian) mines, especially Nishapur, holding the top tier for its vivid blue color and low matrix, often valued higher than American or Chinese counterparts.^[3] United States-sourced turquoise, such as from Arizona's Sleeping Beauty Mine, ranks next for its clear sky-blue tones and minimal porosity, appealing to collectors despite recent supply constraints.^[3] Chinese turquoise typically fetches lower prices due to its softer, more porous quality and greenish hues, though it dominates volume production.^[3] Matrix patterns, particularly appealing spiderweb inclusions of dark veins (e.g., iron oxide), add artistic value in American varieties like those from Nevada's Lander Blue Mine, where intricate webbing enhances desirability without detracting from color uniformity.^[11] Market factors further shape turquoise's worth, driven by increasing rarity from mine closures; for instance, the closure of Arizona's Sleeping Beauty Mine in 2012 significantly reduced high-grade American turquoise supply, contributing to about 20% of global reductions in premium material.^[115] Certification and grading, often through institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), verify authenticity, origin, and quality via spectroscopic analysis and specific gravity tests, providing assurance against imitations and boosting resale value.^[11] As of 2025, high-end natural turquoise prices range from $10 to $100 per carat for premium blue specimens with low porosity, while exceptional pieces from closed mines can exceed $500 per carat; stabilized or lower-grade material trades at $1 to $10 per carat.^[116] Auction records underscore this, with high-end pieces fetching tens of thousands at specialized sales.^[117] The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030, driven by e-commerce and sustainable sourcing initiatives.^[118]

Global Trade and Economics

Iran remains the dominant exporter of turquoise, accounting for the majority of global supply through its historic Neyshabur mine, which produced an estimated 42,000 kilograms in 2021 and continues to drive exports to international markets.^[119] The United States contributes through exports of high-value collectible turquoise from mines like the now-closed Sleeping Beauty deposit in Arizona, while China serves as a major source of bulk production and lower-grade material for global distribution.^[14] Key importers include the United States, which absorbs a significant portion of raw and finished turquoise for jewelry manufacturing; Europe, particularly for luxury and artisanal applications; and India, where demand supports a robust market for gemstone processing and export.^[120] Global turquoise trade volume is estimated at around 50,000 kilograms annually as of recent years, with a market value for raw and semi-processed material ranging from $50 million to $100 million, though the turquoise jewelry market is projected at approximately $244 million in 2025.^[121] ^[122] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, trade has shifted toward e-commerce platforms, accelerating digital sales of turquoise goods and enabling direct access for consumers in importing regions, which has helped mitigate disruptions in traditional supply chains.^[123] This transition has boosted online marketplaces in the United States and India, where importers leverage platforms for faster, lower-cost transactions amid fluctuating physical trade routes. Turquoise mining and trade play a vital economic role in producer communities, particularly in Iran, where extraction from sites like Neyshabur provides substantial livelihoods for local villagers and supports cooperative structures that facilitate exports and community development.^[124] These activities generate foreign currency and uplift rural economies through employment in mining, cutting, and export operations. However, trade flows, such as those between the United States and Mexico—where Mexican turquoise occasionally enters U.S. markets—face challenges from tariffs, including recent U.S. impositions on gemstone imports that increase costs and disrupt cross-border commerce.^[125] Key challenges in the global trade include smuggling operations, notably from Tibetan mining regions where illegal extraction and cross-border transport evade regulations and undermine legitimate markets.^[126] In response, the 2020s have seen emerging initiatives to apply blockchain technology for supply chain tracing in the jewelry and gemstone sectors, enhancing transparency and verifying provenance to combat illicit trade and build consumer trust.^[127]

Imitations and Enhancements

Natural vs. Imitation Materials

Natural turquoise is a hydrous phosphate mineral characterized by its porosity, opacity, and specific gravity typically ranging from 2.40 to 2.90, which allows it to absorb oils and other substances, distinguishing it from many non-porous substitutes.^[1] This inherent porosity results from its formation in copper-rich environments, making untreated specimens susceptible to discoloration from body oils or environmental factors.^[1] Common imitations include dyed howlite and magnesite, which are porous white minerals easily colored blue-green to mimic turquoise's appearance; plastic composites molded with dyes and fillers; and glass, often produced with added inclusions to simulate matrix patterns.^[1] Howlite, a calcium borosilicate, and magnesite, a magnesium carbonate, are particularly prevalent due to their affordability and similarity in texture when treated.^[128] Plastic and glass lack the mineral composition of true turquoise, appearing uniform or overly glossy under close inspection.^[129] Identification relies on simple tests such as the porosity assessment, where a drop of oil applied to the surface is absorbed by genuine turquoise within minutes, whereas plastic and glass repel it, and dyed howlite may absorb but reveals color bleeding.^[1] Specific gravity measurements also aid differentiation, with many imitations like magnesite exceeding 2.8 (up to 3.1), while plastic falls below 1.5 and howlite hovers around 2.5-2.6; natural turquoise consistently measures 2.40-2.90.^[1] Chemical tests, such as acetone application to detect dye solubility, can further confirm authenticity but require professional handling for precision.^[130] Advanced techniques like Raman spectroscopy are increasingly used as of 2024 to identify synthetics and treatments by detecting unique spectral signatures.^[131] In the 19th century, odontolite—fossilized dentine from ancient bones heated and treated to achieve a turquoise-like blue—served as a popular imitation, especially in European jewelry, exemplifying early deceptive practices in the gem trade.^[132] This prevalence underscores the importance of sourcing from reputable dealers to avoid misidentified substitutes.^[133]

Synthetic Production

Synthetic turquoise is produced through laboratory methods that replicate the chemical composition of natural turquoise, CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O, but under controlled conditions to achieve consistent results.^[134] The pioneering Gilson process, developed in the 1970s by the French company Pierre Gilson, involves the precipitation of aluminum phosphate from solutions, colored with copper oleate to mimic the mineral's blue hue, followed by pressing into a solid form.^[134]^[135] This method produces material with a composition closely matching natural turquoise but without the variability introduced by geological processes, such as hydration in copper-rich environments.^[135] Advancements post-2000 have introduced hydrothermal synthesis techniques, which use high-pressure vessels to form turquoise-like crystals more efficiently. A notable example is the hydrothermal hot pressing method, where CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O powder is mixed with water or castor oil and pressed at 150°C under 15-35 MPa for one hour, yielding dense pellets.^[136] These modern approaches allow for precise control over particle size and color, resulting in products that are chemically identical to natural turquoise but exhibit uniform coloration and lack the irregular inclusions or matrix veining typical of mined specimens.^[137]^[136] Synthetic turquoise is primarily utilized in affordable jewelry due to its consistent quality and lower production costs compared to rare natural stones.^[137] However, it can be distinguished from natural material through spectroscopic analysis; for instance, infrared spectroscopy reveals additional absorption bands around 1725 cm⁻¹ in some synthetics, while X-ray powder diffraction identifies extra crystalline phases like berlinite not present in untreated natural turquoise.^[138] The absence of color zoning, a common feature in natural turquoise formed over extended geological timescales, further aids detection via these non-destructive methods.^[138]

Common Treatments and Their Effects

Turquoise, prized for its vibrant blue-green hues, is inherently porous, which facilitates various enhancement treatments to improve its stability and appearance.^[3] Stabilization involves impregnating the porous stone with materials such as plastic, epoxy resin, acrylic polymer, or natural resins under pressure, a practice common since the 1920s to harden soft, friable specimens.^[3]^[139] This treatment seals voids, enhances durability against cracking and wear, and improves polishability, allowing lower-quality material to be used in jewelry.^[3] However, it reduces the stone's value compared to untreated turquoise, as it alters the natural structure, and ethical disclosure is required in trade.^[3] Dyeing infuses colorants into the stone's voids to achieve more uniform or intensified blue-green tones, often combined with stabilization for better penetration.^[139] Oiling or waxing provides a temporary luster enhancement by filling surface pores, though these are less permanent and may require reapplication.^[3] These processes improve aesthetic appeal but can fade with exposure to solvents, and undisclosed dyeing significantly lowers market value.^[3]^[139] Reconstitution bonds small turquoise fragments or powder with resin, dye, and sometimes plastic backing to form larger, durable pieces suitable for commercial use.^[3] This method increases yield from low-grade material, enhancing stability and ease of cutting, but it creates a composite rather than a solid stone, often resulting in lower value and debate over its classification.^[140] Disclosure remains essential to inform buyers of the treatment's extent.^[140] Overall, these treatments provide practical benefits like greater resistance to breakage and more consistent coloration, yet they diminish the gem's rarity and natural integrity, commanding prices far below those of untreated high-quality turquoise.^[3]^[141] Detection typically involves magnification to spot impregnations or uneven dyeing, acetone wipes to dissolve surface treatments, low specific gravity measurements indicating fillers, or advanced techniques like infrared spectroscopy for polymer identification.^[3]^[139]

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Facts · Mineral: Turquoise · Chemistry: CuAl 6(PO 4) 4 ·(OH) 8 ·5H 2O · Color: Blue to green · Refractive Index: 1.610 to 1.650 · Birefringence: Not detectableMissing: formula occurrence cultural significance credible
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Crystal System: Triclinic ; Class (H-M):. 1 - Pinacoidal ; Space Group: P1 ; Cell Parameters: a = 7.409(1) Å, b = 7.635(1) Å, c = 9.914(2) Å α = 111.356°, β = ...
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Seasonal variation in efflorescence minerals in a mining-impacted ...
Global climate change is intensifying aridity in many regions between 10° and 35° latitude, increasing surface temperatures and evaporation rates (Abdelhak ...
[63]
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969725021011
[64]
The Glory of Turquoise from Neolithic to Bronze Age in Persia
Archeological discoveries from the Deh Luran Plain in western Iran indicate that turquoise was first utilized around 7000 BCE (Hole et al., 1969). The quantity ...Missing: networks | Show results with:networks
[65]
Turquoise in Ancient Egypt - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Apr 1, 2018 · 205 ). Its English name, which has cognates in most European languages, probably derives from its association with Turkestan, a source of this ...
[66]
The Ancient Mining of Turquoise in Sinai - CSA Reviving Community
May 11, 2023 · Some of the earliest recorded mining of the mineral is found here on the Sinai Peninsula dating back to 3000 BC.Missing: practices pit quarrying
[67]
Turquoise mosaics, an introduction - Smarthistory
Early Zapotec and Maya examples from the Classic period were made predominately of jade. Later, turquoise became the material of choice. The finest examples of ...
[68]
Double-headed serpent (article) | Khan Academy
It is carved in wood (Cedrela odorata) and covered with turquoise mosaic. The wood is hollowed at the back. Serpent imagery. Serpent imagery occurs throughout ...
[69]
Was Aztec and Mixtec turquoise mined in the American Southwest?
Jun 13, 2018 · Turquoise is generally formed in the oxide zones of copper deposits and derives its elemental constituents from the weathering of the ...Missing: processes | Show results with:processes
[70]
Turquoise, Trade, and Statuary in Ancient Egypt
Apr 9, 2018 · The first exhibition to examine how ancient Egyptians used small metal statuary to communicate with their deities.
[71]
[PDF] Islamic Jewelry in the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Silver Ring (upper left). Iran, probably Nishapur, 9th-11th century. Cast or forged from ingot, fabricated from sheet, and set with turquoise. Width 25.4 mm.
[72]
[PDF] Color symbolism in Islamic book painting - AUC Knowledge Fountain
Feb 1, 2018 · 651/ 1253) claimed that Persian kings used to wear the turquoise stone to deflect the danger of death (by land or water).46 According to Ibn ...Missing: Age 9th-
[73]
December Blues: Birthstone Gifts that Will Delight - GIA
Dec 7, 2018 · Although many think turquoise material was named for its color, the robin egg blue material from the historic Khorasan province of Persia ...
[74]
"Talking turkey! How the Thanksgiving bird got its name (and then ...
Nov 22, 2021 · The Ottoman Empire was then at its height. Ethnic Turks, based in ... name, “pierre turquoise,” gave us the word “turquoise.” In the ...
[75]
“Like the Flame of Fire”: A New Look at the “Hearst” Chalice
Jan 1, 2021 · The so-called Hearst Chalice at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is widely regarded as one the most significant works of Mexican ...
[76]
https://online.ucpress.edu/lalvc/article/3/1/4/116185/Like-the-Flame-of-Fire-A-New-Look-at-the-Hearst
[77]
Cameos: Timeless, Miniature Carvings for Jewelry Lovers - GIA
Jun 23, 2017 · A cameo is a three-dimensional figure carved out of stone, often in low or high relief, and can be made from materials like shell or carnelian.
[78]
Hydrogeochemical Studies of Historical Mining Areas in the ...
Some of the best turquoise mines in Nevada are in this district. Status of mining and exploration. Exploration was intense in this district in the 1990's ...
[79]
Turquoise: Early Zuni Silversmiths - Medicine Man Gallery
Jan 5, 2019 · Two of the earliest Zuni silversmiths, Juan de Dios (1882-1944) and Horace Iule (1899-1978), started producing jewelry around 1918.Missing: popularization | Show results with:popularization
[80]
[PDF] JEWELRY OF THE NAVAJO, ZUNI, AND HOPI A THESIS ... - ShareOK
1 By 1940, most New Mexico Tribes and Pueblos had members in their communities who became professional silversmiths.2 This should not be surprising considering ...<|separator|>
[81]
Southwest Silverwork, 1850-1940 - Heard Museum
A style unique to Zuni documented in the mid-1920s consisted of “flat hoops set with turquoise discs which showed from each side.” In the following decade, ...Missing: popularization | Show results with:popularization
[82]
Adornment in the West: The American Indian as Artist
Dec 13, 2019 · Hollywood helped to promote it in western film, and Indian artists took on the challenge of creating the stunning designs worn by many today.
[83]
Navajo Jewelry | Durango Silver Company
1–2 day delivery 30-day returnsNavajo Turquoise Jewelry was popular with the movie stars from Hollywood and a lot of Navajo Turquoise Jewelry was even worn in the movies. California has ...
[84]
5 Things You (Probably) Don't Know About Turquoise - JCK
May 18, 2015 · The gem's legend—and pricing—is set to grow. In 2012, the Sleeping Beauty mine closed and sent prices skyrocketing (not because the mine was ...
[85]
Facts - Sleeping Beauty Mine
The Sleeping Beauty Mine closed in the early '60s and over the last decade was reopened to mine copper and turquoise. Now the Sleeping Beauty Mine is the world ...Missing: 1980s | Show results with:1980s<|separator|>
[86]
Turquoise: The Desert Beauty - The Practical Gemologist
Dec 10, 2014 · In 1972 the closest “synthetic” turquoise was produced by Pierre Gilson. I put synthetic in quotes since it is actually called a simulant ...<|separator|>
[87]
Turquoise jewelry Market growth and analysis 2035
Aug 30, 2025 · The Global Turquoise Jewelry Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2035, driven by an increasing demand for authentic and ...Missing: century | Show results with:century
[88]
Turquoise Jewelry Market Global Forecast To 2033
Supply chain disruptions had been a primary trouble, with mining operations, production, and transportation all affected, main to decreased availability and ...
[89]
Turquoise - International Colored Gemstone Association
' Turquoises were often worn on the turban, and often surrounded with pearls, in order to protect their wearer against the 'evil eye'. As talismans, they ...
[90]
Lobed Plaque - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
$$12.95 deliveryThe use of blue stones as protection from the "evil eye" has a long history in Islamic culture, particularly in the Persianate world. View more. Lobed Plaque ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[91]
December Birthstone Turquoise Tanzanite Zircon - GIA
During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates ...Missing: eye | Show results with:eye
[92]
Turquoise, Water, Sky: The Stone and Its Meaning | What's New
Jan 1, 2014 · Turquoise is formed in arid regions by infrequent precipitation flowing through host rock and depositing minerals and salts. It is in these ...Missing: climate | Show results with:climate
[93]
The Spiritual Power of Turquoise Jewelry - Namtso Arte
As one of the Seven Treasures in Tibetan Buddhism, turquoise represents spiritual clarity and protective force. From centuries past, Tibetan kings wore ...
[94]
https://namtsoarte.com/blogs/news/turquoise-jewelry-metaphysical-meaning
[95]
The Role of Prayer Wheels in Tibetan Buddhism - Buddha Stones
Jun 23, 2023 · Prayer wheels are designed to symbolize the infinite wisdom and compassion of the mind of enlightenment. By turning the wheel, which contains ...
[96]
https://buddhastoneshop.com/blogs/news/prayer-wheels-buddhism
[97]
Southwest Traditions : Zuni Cluster and Inlay Designs
Because turquoise is often used within larger designs, many Zuni artists prefer to use stone with little or no matrix, believing that veining distracts the ...Missing: techniques Persian enameling Maasai Chinese cloisonné Timurid tiles petit point Hopi kachina Tibetan thangka Middle East talismans
[98]
[PDF] Winter 1992 Gems & Gemology - GIA
bead jewelry worn by the Maasai and Samburu tribes of. East Africa. The colors of the beads, the pattern arrange- ment, and the particular style of a piece ...
[99]
Twelve-Point Star Tile | The Art Institute of Chicago
The vivid color scheme of turquoise and cobalt highlight the mosaic's intricate pattern of flowers and scrolls. ... A work made of glazed fritware tiles cut and ...
[100]
Ancient to Modern - The University of Arizona
Turquoise settings appeared in the 1890s, marking a transition to forms in which silver increasingly played a supporting role and stones and shell predominated.
[101]
Firekeeper Kachina Pendant | Smithsonian Institution
Turquoise is a sacred stone of the Navajo, who for centuries have regarded it as a symbol of the heavens and as a protective talisman.
[102]
[PDF] Color Symbolism in Buddhist Art - Tsem Rinpoche
Tibetans compare this to human aging and death. Wearing "living" turquoise is therefore very desirable, as it will give long life to the wearer.
[103]
Asian Jewelry and Ritual Objects from the Barbara and David Kipper ...
Aug 21, 2016 · In Central Asia, turquoise was a symbol of chastity and purity, and was associated with prosperity, piety, and courage. The turquoise mined in ...Missing: ceremonies | Show results with:ceremonies
[104]
https://web.stanford.edu/class/history11sc/pdfs/colors.pdf
[105]
Turquoise inlay
Turquoise inlay is an art which creates a layer of turquoise little-cut stones on the body of metal objects, making and preparing valuable decorative products.
[106]
Investment Quality Turquoise Jewelry
Investment quality Turquoise has become one of the most valuable colored gemstones, it has been increasing in value more than 30% per year for several years.Missing: collectibles | Show results with:collectibles
[107]
https://encyclocraftsapr.com/turquoise-inlay/
[108]
https://www.durangosilver.com/investment-quality-turquoise-jewelry.html
[109]
Turquoise blue nanocrystalline pigment based on Li1.33Ti1.66O4
Turquoise blue Li1.33Ti1.66O4 is an environmentally friendly inorganic pigment, it was synthesized using the sol–gel method.
[110]
Why Invest in Rare Turquoise Collections?
Sep 1, 2025 · Collectors often specialize in acquiring different shades of blue, building collections that showcase the incredible diversity of this mineral.Understanding Turquoise... · Why Rare Turquoise... · Navigating The Market: Tips...
[111]
HOW TO PRINT STONE SETTING JEWELRY WITH BULUNMAZ 3D ...
Mar 21, 2025 · , we'll guide you through the process of 3D printing stone setting jewelry , setting stones, and preparing your models for casting. Whether ...
[112]
https://www.folkmarketgems.com/blogs/gems-and-mineral-information/investment-opportunity-in-gemstone-market
[113]
The Quality Grading and Market Price of Turquoise - sheragems
Feb 5, 2025 · Certain mines produce superior-quality turquoise, making their stones more valuable. For example: Persian (Iranian) Turquoise: Famous for its ...
[114]
Rare turquoise gemstone mineral Turquoise stones for collectors
Rare turquoise gemstones for collectors : natural spiderweb raw turquoise, bisbee turquoise, rare crystalline turquoise from Bishop mine, ...
[115]
Turquoise Gemstones Buyers & Importers | go4WorldBusiness.com
Find Verified Turquoise Gemstones Buyers, Importers and Buy Leads · Risitha Ubeysinghe · Brad Manhoff · Kosh Eligant · Walker Epoxy & Woodworks · Diva Turquoise ...
[116]
Turquoise Gemstone, Ring, Price, Value & Meaning 2025 - Farmonaut
Sep 22, 2025 · Mining Practices: The majority of turquoise mining remains predominantly artisanal or small-scale. While certain locales (e.g., major Arizona ...
[117]
Emerging consumer trends in a post-COVID-19 world - McKinsey
Homebound consumers abandoned ingrained shopping habits, hurtling ecommerce into hyperdrive and compressing a decade's worth of digital adoption into 100 days.Missing: turquoise trade
[118]
World's Best Turquoise Extracted By Villagers: Dynamite, Cancer ...
Jun 16, 2016 · The people of this village make huge money by extracting turquoise. This is what many people in Nishapur say about the residents of Ma'dan village.
[119]
New US tariff's on gemstones from major exporting countries is ...
Apr 3, 2025 · New US tariff's on gemstones from major exporting countries is going to crush the colored gemstone trade Brazil 10% Colombia 10% India 26% ...
[120]
Tibet Identified as Significant Smuggling Route for Illegal Wildlife ...
Nov 10, 2011 · Tibet Identified as Significant Smuggling Route for Illegal Wildlife Trade 0 · Drugs, pangolin scales, and other wildlife contraband entering ...
[121]
Blockchain enabled traceability in the jewel supply chain
The potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize the jewelry supply chain by enhancing trust, transparency, and efficiency is examined, ...
[122]
Dyed Howlite and Magnesite - The Turquoise Impostors
Howlite and magnesite are completely different chemically, but they are both soft, porous, white materials that readily accept dye and can be cut and polished ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[123]
An Introduction to Simulants or Imitation Gem Materials - GIA
In the early 1970s, Gilson introduced an imitation turquoise as well as an imitation lapis. Prevalence: occasional. Gilson Imitation Turquois and Lapis Lazuli.
[124]
https://ifpnews.com/worlds-best-turquoise-extracted-villagers-dynamite-cancer-money/
[125]
[PDF] 2011-Krzemnicki-odontolite.pdf - SSEF
The brooches exemplify the fashionable use of odon- tolite as a turquoise imitation in mid-19th century period jewelry. This was especially true in France ...
[126]
https://www.pangolins.org/2011/11/10/tibet-identified-as-significant-smuggling-route-for-illegal-wildlife-trade/
[127]
Fake turquoise jewelry hurts Native Americans economically - Vox
Oct 24, 2018 · Fraudulent Native American goods have been illegal since 1935. The first prison sentence for this crime was just handed down.<|control11|><|separator|>
[128]
[PDF] Gemconference Schwarzinger turquoise.cdr - Linz - JKU
In the 1970s the French company Pierre Gilson started producing “Gilson turquoise”. Dyed magnesite, calcite, howlite and dolomite were also observed as a ...
[129]
[PDF] Observations on the Slocum Stone - GIA
It can be seen that the Gilson product analysis is very close to the natural turquoise results; the absence of significant amounts of iron indicates it is pro-.
[130]
https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/winter-2016-labnotes-turquoise-simulated-matrix
[131]
Synthetic Gemstone Guide - International Gem Society
Mar 14, 2024 · Pierre Gilson of Paris introduced three remarkable synthetic gems: opal, turquoise, and lapis lazuli. It is now known that the color flashes in ...Ruby And Sapphire · Synthetic Emerald · Other Synthetic Gems
[132]
[PDF] The Identification of Turquoise by Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray ...
A combination of infrared spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction methods is suggested for the iden- tification of natural, treated, and synthetic ...Missing: prevalence | Show results with:prevalence
[133]
Impregnated and Dyed Turquoise | Gems & Gemology - GIA
Turquoise is usually impregnated with acrylic polymer or epoxy resin for stabilization in addition to the dyeing process to change its color.Missing: reconstitution effects
[134]
Is Turquoise Expensive? - International Gem Society
Sep 17, 2025 · Reconstituted Turquoise Has Lower Value - If You Can Detect It. Reconstituted turquoise is a controversial topic. It describes turquoise that ...
[135]
Blue Gemstones: 37 Varieties, Properties & Care Guide
Jul 10, 2025 · Only the highest-quality turquoise remains untreated; most undergoes stabilization to enhance color and durability. Reconstituted turquoise ...