Turquoise is one of the most coveted semi-precious gemstones available today. This stunning jewel, with its delightful hue, has the honour of being the only stone with a colour named after it. Though it is not as popular as other blue gems, like the sapphire or tanzanite, turquoise has still managed to win hearts with effortless ease. And even though it is lauded for its unique look, many still wonder whether it is a rare gemstone or not.
So in this article, we’ll shed more light on this particular subject.
But First, Let’s Get Better Acquainted With Turquoise – The December Birthstone
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque mineral with a lovely greenish-blue hue. It often has veins of the matrix (rock remnants in which it is formed). The name turquoise is derived from the French word for ‘Turkish’ – in reference to the traders who originally exported Persian turquoise to Europe. The word ‘turquoise’ is also used to describe the vibrant greenish-blue colour that is associated with this gem.
Historically, turquoise was believed to be a gift from the gods to bring prosperity and good fortune to its owners. Even today, many people consider this gem to be a potent talisman, with the ability to attract success and wealth.
With regards to location, turquoise is typically found in arid regions, such as Iran (Persia), the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, central China, and the American Southwest.
Back to the Main Question, Is Turquoise a Rare Gem?
Heirloom-quality turquoises are rare, and therefore considered to be extremely valuable. Such stones are prized for their intense, medium blue colour, which is often compared to the blue hue seen on the robin’s eggs. Also, lack of matrix and the ability to take a good polish further increases their overall value. In comparison to pure blue turquoises, stones with a green to greenish-blue hue are found more often, but they’re not considered very desirable.
In all, turquoise has won the hearts of passionate collectors who love to explore this gem’s different colours, and matrix variations. Moreover, with the closure of several mines in the U.S, it is becoming increasingly hard to find high-quality turquoise stones, which has further catapulted its demand.
Tips to Keep In Mind While Styling Your Turquoise Jewellery
- Turquoise is the ideal stone for a boho-chic look. So search for big pieces that you can wear in the form of a necklace, especially layered ones.
- Minimalist turquoise jewellery works best when accessorizing for office wear.
- If you want to glam up a subtle outfit, then a turquoise statement piece, like a solitaire or halo ring will make sure all eyes are on you.
- When it comes to the metal, you can opt for yellow or rose gold if you want your piece to radiate a more vintage appeal. White metals, on the other hand, give it a contemporary look.
Parting Note
It is important to purchase your turquoise jewellery only from a well-reputed brand to ensure you have a quality piece with you. Always cheque the Certificate of Authenticity, so that you are well-aware of all the details of your gemstone, such as its quality grade, approximate dimensions, and the kind of enhancement it has undergone (if any).
Also Read: Is Peridot a Rare Gem?
