Turquoise is one of the most beautiful and sought-after stones for all the right reasons. Its rich colour and stunning texture make the stone visually appealing.
But have you ever wondered if the stone you are buying can withstand chipping or breaking? If yes, then you are at the right place.
So, let’s get started…
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is a soft and opaque gemstone with a captivating greenish-blue colour. This stone’s name is derived from the French word for ‘Turkish.’ The stones were excavated from mines in Iran and brought by the trade routes that passed through Turkey. Thus, turquoise was rightly called the Turkish stone.
The beautiful turquoise is found only in the dry and barren regions of earth; where acidic water rich in copper seeps downward further reacting with minerals containing phosphorus and aluminium.
Does it chip easily?
Well, this depends on certain factors. With a ranking of 5 – 6 on the Mohs scale, turquoise is neither hard nor a very soft gemstone. This means other stones that are comparatively harder than turquoise can damage it if they come in direct contact. Conversely, if turquoise is stored with softer stones, then the latter are susceptible to damage. Therefore, turquoise must be treated with care.
Maintenance Tips
Although turquoise is a gemstone that may withstand normal wear and tear to an extent, it still requires proper care and maintenance. This gemstone is suitable for all jewellery types, but is not immune to damage. So, keep the following tips in mind to preserve turquoise jewellery for years.
- Use soapy water to clean your turquoise jewellery. This will help get rid of any accumulated dirt and grime on the piece. Then wipe it dry with a soft cotton cloth.
- Store your turquoise away from other gemstones and jewellery to retain its lustre. This will keep turquoise from getting damaged by harder gemstones and also prevent it from scratching softer stones. Remember to wrap your turquoise jewellery in a soft cotton cloth or store it in a velvet-lined case.
- Keep it away from chemicals such as harsh detergents, cosmetics, or bleach.
- Always remember to take off your jewellery when handling chemicals or engaging in strenuous activities.
- Keep it away from extreme heat to avoid loss of colour or cause any kind of damage to the stone’s surface.
- Visit a professional jeweller at least once in a year for a thorough inspection of your turquoise jewellery. Not only will they clean the piece, but also fix loose settings or repair any damage. This ensures that your jewellery has a prolonged life and looks as good as new every time you wear it.
Parting Note
Turquoise exudes a lovely boho-chic vibe. Its trendy ocean blue hue jazzes up any look in an instant. And with proper care and maintenance, you can flaunt this lovely gem for years!
Also Read: Is Turquoise a Durable Gemstone?
