How To Care For and Clean Turquoise Jewelry

The world's seven natural wonders exhibit some of the earth's finest craftsmanship in soaring mountainous regions, vibrant canyons, and serene waterfalls. Yet, these seven wonders display only a few of the earth's awe-inspiring contents. Although it's not considered an official wonder of the world, we like to think of precious natural stones as the manifestation of our planet's wonder.

One such manifestation is turquoise. In brilliant seafoam green and blue hues, this precious stone is a prime example of nature-created magnificence. Today, we'll determine how to clean and care for this vibrant stone.

The Wonders of Turquoise Jewelry

Very few minerals have a color that is so well recognized, distinctive, and well-known. Those who wear turquoise jewelry know it's been adored for thousands of years for its impressive, serene hues and natural smooth texture.

Turquoise is an opaque mineral found in stunning shades of blue, green, and even yellow-tinted green. For years, this mineral has been a distinguished choice for crafting gemstones and erecting handcrafted sculptures.

History

Turquoise enjoys a status among the world's oldest jewelry enjoyed by a diverse collection of cultures. In fact, this gemstone has been discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs dating as far back as 4,000 B.C.

The gem's name is derived from the French phrase pierre tourques, which means "Turkish stone." Native American Tribes appreciated turquoise in their jewelry and amulets. More than that, this opaque mineral was a ceremonial gem and a means of commerce.

Do you feel a sense of peace and gladness radiating from this gemstone? Ancient Egyptians referred to turquoise as "mefkat," which means "joy" or "delight." Their naming of this gem is well-deserved since it has endured thousands of years as one of history's most treasured minerals.

Origins

This opaque gemstone is primarily an aggregate of micro-crystals. It has a reduced porosity, more outstanding durability, and polishes to a better shine when these microcrystals are packed tightly together.

Turquoise is best-formed in climates with little rainfall and arid conditions. As a result, much of the world's turquoise content has been sourced from the southwestern United States, Chile, Mexico, Egypt, Iran, and China.

Within the climate of these geographical areas, rainfall surreptitiously permeates layers of soil and rock, dissolving minuscule amounts of copper on its path downward. After the water has evaporated, the copper deposits interact with aluminum and phosphorus to release traces of turquoise on the walls of subsurface fractures.

Physical Properties

Information about turquoise's physical properties is beneficial in determining the height of its value and how to care for this gem properly. With respect to its finish, describing turquoise as glassy would not be entirely accurate.

Instead, connoisseurs of turquoise appreciate it for its waxy, subvitreous finish. However, when this stone is exposed to weathering, it maintains a dull, chalky finish instead. Still, turquoise with a lower porosity and higher durability polishes to a more attractive high luster.

Weathered turquoise might have an aesthetically pleasing color, but the hardness and durability of turquoise may be left vulnerable. Turquoise that endures weathering is no longer suitable for being cut into beads; instead, it is crushed and repurposed into lower-quality reconstituted turquoise.

Hardness

The Mohs Hardness Scale measures gem and mineral hardness on a ten-point system. A gem with a higher rating on the scale signifies a lower likelihood of being scratched by another gem.

Diamonds are well-known as the world's hardest gems since the only gem that can scratch a diamond's surface is another diamond. Turquoise receives a hardness score several numbers below diamonds, earning a rating of five-six.

Stability

Gemstones are remarkable for their many physical properties and the way they react to the elements. After judging a gemstone's hardness, gemologists determine its stability. A gem's stability refers to its capacity to withstand the loss of color dissolution due to chemical breakdown or other varieties of degradation.

On the whole, turquoise is stable to light's influence. However, high heat may lead it to discolor and appear damaged on the surface. When exposed to hydrochloric acid, turquoise slowly begins to disintegrate. Specific chemicals, cosmetics, skin oil, and perspiration may also cause discoloration in turquoise.

How To Properly Care for Turquoise Jewelry

It's no surprise that turquoise is highly adored for its creamy blue-green color and natural accents. For millennia, people have appreciated this precious gem for its unique finish and joyful coloring.

It's a privilege to take part in the history of this gem by wearing it to accent your apparel. Taking proper care of your turquoise jewelry is one way to extend its value and honor its natural beauty.

Wear Turquoise Gingerly

Although you may wish to wear your turquoise jewelry throughout your activities and escapades, you'd do well to remember that it maintains an average hardness rating. This rating indicates that it's more easily scratched than some precious gems and may be vulnerable to abrasions.

As such, you should wear your turquoise jewelry with respect to its delicacy. There is no need to walk on eggshells while wearing it, but you should wear it gingerly to avoid accruing unattractive abrasions.

Wash and Store Your Turquoise Jewelry with Care

Because your favorite vibrant turquoise gems sustain a medium hardness level, you should be mindful of the way you store your jewelry as well. When this beloved gem comes into contact with body oils, cleaning products, perspiration, and other liquids, it's vulnerable to absorbing these substances due to its porous nature. Upon absorption, such substances may interact unfavorably with turquoise to alter its color.

This sensitivity necessitates a gentle cleaning process for turquoise gems. Should your stone become dirty, wash it gently with a soft cloth that is damp with a mild soap. After washing your jewelry, follow with a soft, damp cloth with only water and let it air dry.

Finally, because of its sensitivity, store your prized turquoise jewelry in a cool, dry, dark environment so that your jewelry can remain stunning for your next wear.

Mark Henry Turquoise Jewelry Pieces

Perhaps you've been on the lookout for your next brilliant piece of turquoise jewelry. This gem carries a wealth of history with it since it has been highly adored for centuries. Consider diversifying your jewelry collection with this blue-green gem that radiates serenity and joy.

Smiling Sun Turquoise Pendant

According to the traditions of Native American culture, the sun governs all life. This belief makes the sun one of many natural phenomena that hold particular divine significance. Another tenet of Native American spirituality is the belief that the sun's rays signify the cardinal directions – North, South, East, and West.

Mark Henry's Smiling Sun Turquoise Pendant celebrates this Native American tradition with a smiling sun etched into the fine, vibrant central turquoise gemstone. Petite white diamonds surround this gemstone with 18-karat gold protrusions from every angle to mirror the sun's rays.

Puffed Heart Solitaire Ring

The solitaire has been a well-respected, timeless design in fine jewelry. Our take on this classic design is the Puffed Heart Signet Ring, which features a dazzling, deep greenish-blue natural heart shape turquoise secured by four prongs onto a durable 18-karat band.

The simplistic, sleek design showcases the cabochon center stone originating from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona. Accenting the turquoise heart's sleek appearance are white diamonds set into the band's shank on either side of the stone.

If you adore turquoise, this piece is a perfect treat for you to add to your collection or gift to a loved one.

Heishi Bead Necklace

The beauty of turquoise is that it lends itself to jewelry designs not found among other gemstones. One such unique style is the authentic beaded necklace. The Mark Henry Heishi Bead Necklace displays vibrant Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads strung with 18-karat gold bead accents.

The fiery yellow appearance of our accent gold beads complements their rich blue turquoise counterparts to create a colorful divine match. The choice is yours: wear this stunning, vibrant piece solo or layer it with other turquoise beads for an exaggerated charm.

More Jewelry Featuring Well-Loved Precious Stones

We're well-acquainted with precious stones at Mark Henry and have been fascinated by the captivating essence of a core few prized gems.

Should you be looking for precious stones to diversify your turquoise collection, we're happy to offer selections in rare Alexandrite, iridescent moonstone, and vibrant Paraiba tourmaline. Each of these gems displays an authentic brilliance that produces an awe-struck appreciation for the products of nature.

A Stunning Choice

Let yourself be surprised by the joy of turquoise gemstone jewelry. As you wear it, remember the thousands of years of history behind each turquoise stone and the people groups who have adored this stone and paved the way for its widespread adoration.

If you don't yet own turquoise in your collection, consider expanding your jewelry with this vibrant gem. It's brought joy to countless others throughout civilization, and it can inspire joy for you.