Overwhelmed by the abundance of fake turquoise flooding the market? Don’t fret, as this guide will equip you with the knowledge to discern genuine turquoise from its imitations. From scrutinizing price tags to conducting the scratch test, these three expert tips will empower you to confidently spot authentic turquoise jewelry. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the tools needed to ensure your turquoise pieces are the real deal.
Key Takeaways:
- Price Tag: Genuine turquoise is more expensive, so if a piece of turquoise jewelry seems too cheap, it may be fake.
- Appearance: Look for signs of dye pooling in cracks or lack of natural cracks in the stone, which could indicate fake turquoise.
- The Scratch Test: Conduct a scratch test on a less visible part of the stone to see if it scratches easily (indicating howlite) or is difficult to scratch (indicating genuine turquoise).
How to Identify Real Turquoise?
Price Tag
A genuine turquoise piece is typically more costly than fake counterparts. If you come across a piece with a suspiciously low price tag, it may be a red flag. That $15 necklace could potentially be faux turquoise made from howlite or other imitations. However, it’s important to remember that there’s no shame in wearing non-authentic jewelry if that’s what you prefer.
Knowing the average price range of real turquoise can help you make informed decisions when shopping for jewelry. If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth investigating further to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
Appearance
Little details in the appearance of a turquoise piece can provide clues to its authenticity. Fake turquoise is often dyed to mimic the look of genuine turquoise, but close inspection may reveal inconsistencies. For example, you may notice dye buildup in the cracks of fake turquoise or a lack of visible cracks indicating paint-on color. These visual cues can help you differentiate between real and fake turquoise.
Clearly, identifying real turquoise based on appearance alone can be challenging due to the variety in natural turquoise and the craftsmanship of imitations. Still, paying attention to details like color consistency and surface texture can assist you in making a more informed decision when purchasing turquoise jewelry.
Conducting a Scratch Test
When testing the authenticity of turquoise, one method you can try is the scratch test. By scratching the stone, you can determine its hardness and potentially identify if it is genuine or fake. Genuine turquoise is relatively soft, so if it scratches easily, it may be an imitation like howlite. Remember to perform this test on a less visible part of the stone to avoid damaging its appearance.
Considering Weight and Feel
For an additional clue when identifying fake turquoise, consider the weight and feel of the stone. Genuine turquoise tends to have a certain weight and texture, while imitations may feel lighter or lack the distinctive characteristics of a real turquoise stone.
To further assist you in identifying fake turquoise, it’s important to understand the various methods used to create imitation stones. By familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of genuine turquoise and practicing these tips, you can become more confident in spotting fake pieces and ensuring you purchase authentic turquoise jewelry.
Summing up
Identifying real turquoise can be tough with so many fakes around. Remember to check the price, appearance, and do a scratch test to tell the difference. Genuine turquoise is pricier, may have cracks, and is harder to scratch than fake versions like howlite or reconstituted turquoise. Paying attention to these details will help you make a better choice when buying turquoise jewelry.
FAQ
Q: What are some tips to help identify real turquoise from fake turquoise?
A: Some tips to spot fake turquoise include checking the price tag (genuine turquoise is more expensive), examining the appearance (look for dye accumulation or lack of cracks), and conducting a scratch test (genuine turquoise is harder to scratch than howlite, a common imitation).
Q: What are some common materials used to make fake turquoise?
A: Fake turquoise can be made from howlite (dyed to resemble turquoise), magnesite, plastic, epoxy, resin, and reconstituted turquoise (mix of ground turquoise and other stones). Sometimes, other stones that look similar to turquoise are also used to create imitations.
Q: Why is it important to be able to identify real turquoise?
A: Knowing how to spot fake turquoise is important to avoid being deceived into purchasing a lower quality or imitation stone at a higher price. Being able to identify real turquoise allows you to make informed decisions when buying jewelry or gemstones.
