Factors That Affect the Value of Turquoise<\/h2>\n
Turquoise is a water-based stone that forms in rocks rich in mineral content. The presence of certain minerals in larger quantities imparts a specific color to these stones. The following factors affect the value of turquoise and, ultimately, the cost of any piece of jewelry that includes this gem.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n While most turquoise is blue, colors can range from nearly white to some very vivid shades of yellow-green, depending on the\u00a0location\u00a0where the turquoise was formed. Some turquoise stones have a fine web of thin lines of the original matrix within the stone. This type of turquoise is called \u201cspider-webbed.\u201d<\/p>\n The minerals that may turn turquoise different colors can also change its hardness and quality. Therefore, some of the more collectible and expensive stones are very pale blue or deep green, rather than the more common blue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The\u00a0grade\u00a0of the turquoise you purchase indicates its quality. The highest quality stones usually come from specific locations, and they\u2019re generally given a grade of AA, AAA, or AAAA.<\/p>\n This includes stones that:<\/p>\n AA or higher turquoise is usually more difficult to find. Standard jewelry-grade turquoise merits a grade of AA-, A, B or C. Anything with a lower grade must be treated before being used in jewelry, which generally lowers its price.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Unless specified as natural, a lot of the turquoise available in jewelry stores has been\u00a0treated\u00a0in some way. Jewelers are actually obligated by law to\u00a0disclose\u00a0any and all treatments on the turquoise stones sold, so always be sure to ask if the stones in a piece that interests you have been treated.<\/p>\n You can tell the difference between a natural and stabilized stone because a stabilized stone is harder. Additionally, the color is locked by the resin making it unchanging. Natural stone, however, can change color over time. Additionally, natural stone is porous and will absorb moisture and oils, while a stabilized stone will not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Turquoise is reasonably porous and soft when compared to a diamond or a\u00a0sapphire. While a diamond is a 10 on the Mohs scale, the highest measurement given, turquoise typically ranges from a 2 to a 6. Stones with a score of 2 will be very soft and porous, and will likely need treatment. Turquoise with a score of 6 can be used in jewelry without requiring any treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Just like color, grade, and quality can vary tremendously from one piece of turquoise to the next, so can the price of individual stones. Depending upon the location a stone was mined from, its color, and its hardness, pricing can range from a few dollars a carat up to approximately $80 a carat for the more collectible stones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\nColor<\/h3>\n
Grades<\/h3>\n
\n
Treatments<\/h3>\n
\n
Hardness<\/h3>\n
Pricing<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/threephrase.com\/in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/CLEARTRIP-RS-MEDIA-CUELINKS-JAN-300x250-1.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/threephrase.com\/in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/CLEARTRIP-RS-MEDIA-CUELINKS-JAN-A-300x250-1.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
<\/a><\/p>\n