“She would be half a planet away, floating in a turquoise sea, dancing by moonlight to flamenco guitar.”
Janet Fitch, White Oleander
From a geological perspective, turquoise is an aggregate of microscopic crystals that form a solid mass as a result of a sedimentary process in which acidic copper rich water seeps downward, reacting with phosphorus and aluminum containing minerals. That’s a very geeky description of a romantic and beautiful mineral that can reflect the color of the sky as well as avocado green.
Given the tendency to describe the world’s most beautiful bodies of water as “turquoise,” it is quite surprising to learn that turquoise is typically found in dry and barren regions–we are talking desert! The Nishapur district of Iran (previously known as Persia) is the source of “robin’s-egg blue” or “sky blue” top color, quality Turquoise. Nevada and Arizona are the two main sources of United States production of turquoise, with Arizona producing the gorgeous and saturated “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise coming from the Sleeping Beauty mine.
However, the largest producer of less expensive, commercial quality turquoise is in the Hubei Provence of central China. While some high quality turquoise is mined in China, a great deal of material is stabilized turquoise, which is soft, low grade turquoise that has undergone a stabilization process to enhance its hardness and color. The stone is put under pressure, causing it to absorb a clear epoxy or plastic filler. This results in a harder stone that is then suitable for use in jewelry.
Although consistent color is the most sought after quality of turquoise, many have a mottling or “spiderweb” effect of matrix which is comprised of traces of the host rock. While not considered “top quality,” many people enjoy this look and when evenly displayed can be a very attractive feature on the stone.
Turquoise, a gemstone with one of the longest histories throughout the world, dates back as far as the head dresses of pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Turquoise is also found throughout Native American culture, and is still a relevant and appreciated stone today–especially for those born in December.
This gorgeous ring is made from Sleeping Beauty turquoise, pink spinel, and diamonds in 14K yellow gold–stop in and see it in our gallery!
