TURQUOISE: HISTORY, MEANING & HOW TO IDENTIFY REAL VS FAKE STONES
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How to Identify Real vs Fake Turquoise
Etymology: The Origin of Turquoise
The word turquoise comes from the French turquois, meaning “Turkish”, because traders brought much of it to Europe through the Ottoman Empire.
Although the term appeared in the 17th century, people had known the stone for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks, including Pliny the Elder, called it κάλαϊς (Kalais). Previously, names such as azure spar were also used for a range of blue minerals, though they did not always refer to turquoise.
A Short History of Turquoise
Turquoise has been admired, traded and worn for thousands of years. From ancient tombs in Egypt to temples in Persia and sacred objects in the Americas, this vivid blue stone has left its mark on civilisations worldwide.
Ancient Egypt
The Egyptians mined turquoise in the Sinai Desert as early as 3000 BCE. They called it meeat and linked it with Hathor, the goddess of love and joy. As a result, magnificent artefacts such as Tutankhamun’s death mask feature turquoise set in gold.
Persia (Modern-day Iran)
In Persia, turquoise was known as pērōzah or fayrūzah, meaning “victory”. The Persians prized its sky-blue colour and used it to decorate palaces, mosques, jewellery and weapons. Today, the Nishapur mines continue to produce some of the world’s finest turquoise.
Tibet, India and China
Meanwhile, in Tibet, turquoise symbolised the sky and life itself. Across India, artisans incorporated it into royal architecture, including the Taj Mahal. Meanwhile, in China, turquoise has been mined since the Neolithic era, particularly in Hubei Province, where it was carved into amulets and used for healing.
The Americas
Among the Aztecs and Maya, turquoise represented power and divinity. Likewise, the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Apache peoples regarded it as sacred. They believed turquoise was alive, reacting to sunlight and moisture. Today, major deposits in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico continue to produce highly sought-after stones.
Chemistry and Geology: What Turquoise Is Made Of
Turquoise is a secondary copper-aluminium phosphate mineral. In other words, it forms when mineral-rich water alters existing rocks in dry, copper-bearing regions.
Chemical formula: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈ · 4H₂O
Hardness: 5–6 on the Mohs scale
Crystal system: Triclinic (a crystal structure with three unequal axes)
Colour range: Blue to blue-green (copper creates blue tones, while iron adds green)
Typically, turquoise forms in veins, crusts and nodules. It belongs to the turquoise mineral group, which also includes planerite, faustite, chalcosiderite and aheylite.
Treatments and Imitations
Natural turquoise is porous and can absorb oils and moisture. Over time, this may cause darkening or cracking. To improve its durability and appearance, many stones are treated before they reach the market.
How to Identify Real vs Fake Turquoise
No single test guarantees authenticity. However, using several simple checks together can help determine whether your turquoise is genuine.
- Hardness test: Genuine turquoise measures 5–6 on the Mohs scale, whereas howlite is softer at 3.5–4.5.
- Colour check: Overly bright or perfectly even colour often indicates dye.
- Acetone test: Wipe the stone with a cotton bud dipped in acetone. If blue residue appears, the stone has likely been dyed.
- UV light: Natural turquoise does not normally fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
- Magnet test: Turquoise is not magnetic, although copper-rich specimens may produce a very slight response.
- Refractive index: Genuine turquoise measures approximately 1.61–1.62.
Ultimately, for a definitive identification, ask a qualified gemmologist or trusted jeweller to examine the stone.
Buying Tips for Genuine Turquoise
- Always ask where the stone was mined and whether it has been treated.
- Likewise, be cautious of stones that appear unusually vivid or are sold at exceptionally low prices.
- Finally, buy from reputable dealers who specialise in natural turquoise.
Final Thoughts
For more than 7,000 years, turquoise has inspired artists, collectors and cultures around the world. Its striking blue and green hues have long symbolised life, protection and the sky itself.
However, its enduring popularity has also made it one of the world’s most frequently imitated gemstones. By learning how to identify real versus fake turquoise, you can protect both your investment and your appreciation of this remarkable mineral.