Mojave Turquoise

Mohave or Mojave turquoise may refer to several types of "improved-on" turquoise, but most Mojave turquoise on the market is real, low-grade turquoise bound with resin and dye. Being that so little natural turquoise is usable, this is a creative and attractive way to use turquoise that would otherwise be unusable for jewelry.


Joan Madouse wrapped this striking Mohave turquoise pendant in silver plated wire.

Synthetic Turquoise

Synthetic turquoise is just that: lab created. Though it has the same chemical compound as turquoise, it is man-made. Just like a lab-grown gem has the same chemical compounds as natural gems except they are flawless, synthetic turquoise is created to be hard and gem-quality. Most trusted dealers will let you know if their turquoise is synthetic or natural. There really is no way to tell a synthetic turquoise from a natural stone other that best-judgment; is the color, matrix, hardness just too perfect? Again, synthetic turquoise is gem-quality and can be used in jewelry without fading or cracking like a natural stone would.

Frances Lediaev wrapped this turquoise nugget in wire, making sure the bail was wide enough for her client's large Omega chain

Rainbow Calsilica

Another type of man-made stone is Rainbow Calsilica, a really cool and beautiful stone often associated with turquoise, not to be confused with chrysocolla, which is a natural stone often mistaken for turquoise. I even purchased some a few years back called "Turkey Turquoise," that was purple rainbow calsilica. It's beautiful and great to use in my jewelry, but it is a man-made stone. There is quite a controversy about rainbow calsilica, but the general consensus from scientists is that it is a beautiful stone is made from powdered carbonate rock that has been colored and stabilized with polymers. Although it is in high demand and often paired with other more expensive stones, just be aware that it is man-made.

Artificial Turquoise and Imitation Turquoise

Artificial and imitation turquoise is generally either turquoise colored plastic or dyed howlite or other stone made to look like actual turquoise. Generally, if it looks like plastic, it probably is. Dyed howlite is another story and another "buyer beware" moment. If you're wondering whether the stone is truly artificial or reconstituted, you can do the hot pin test. If the smoke is acrid, like a plastic smell, the turquoise is probably not genuine. However, if a stone is stabilized, it could still give off that acrid smell depending on the stabilization material used.

Kathy Eastman created this turquoise jewelry set from copper beads and charms and turquoise beads.

White Buffalo Turquoise

White Buffalo turquoise, not to be confused with "white turquoise" that is actually howlite, is a very rare colorless turquoise and is missing only copper in its chemical formula. Some unscrupulous dealers have been trying to pass off howlite as Sacred Buffalo Turquoise, also known as Dry Creek Turquoise. However, this rare turquoise has only been found in the Dry Creek Mine on the Shoshone Indian Reservation in Nevada, and has likely been played out. It would be very rare to find genuine sacred buffalo turquoise. Again, knowing your dealer really helps in this situation, and having a little education goes a long way.

So, in the world of turquoise, there are many varieties and nuances. From enhancements that keep color from fading to funky colors that don't even remind us of turquoise, this color/stone/gem is a fascinating part of our lives and culture throughout the ages. Who can resist turquoise jewelry?

Resources & Recommended Reading

Turquoise on Wikipedia
Gemcutters.org
MinDat.org - Rainbow Calsilica
MinDat.org- Turquoise Problems