Imitation turquoise is growing increasingly common and can fool even the most seasoned jewelry connoisseurs when all they have to go on is a photo. The last thing anyone wants is to invest in a turquoise piece they thought was genuine, only to find out that it isn’t upon closer inspection. To make sure this doesn't happen to you, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to identify real turquoise. While most of our tips are only applicable to an object that is physically present, some can help you source authentic turquoise during online searches.
Common Types of Fake Turquoise
Below are a couple of common types of fake turquoise that you should avoid:
Dyed Howlite or Magnesite
Both howlite and magnesite are naturally white stones, but they can easily be dyed any color. When dyed blue, howlite and magnesite take on the appearance of turquoise. However, they generally have a more uniform color than real turquoise and chip more easily when scratched with a fingernail.
Plastic Imitations
Plastic imitations can look like real turquoise, but are much less valuable. There are different ways to differentiate plastic turquoise from real turquoise. These imitations often have a smoother surface and are lighter in weight than genuine turquoise.
How to Identify and Purchase Real Turquoise?
Being able to tell real turquoise from fake is essential to avoid scams and make a good purchase. Let's explore 9 easy ways to tell the difference and get your money's worth:
Visual Inspection
One of the best ways to identify genuine turquoise is through a visual inspection. Carefully check the color and matrix of the stone. Most genuine turquoise has color variations and textural imperfections. If the stone has a smooth surface and even color, it may be fake.
Scratch Test
The scratch test is used to determine the resistance of a mineral to scratching against other minerals and surfaces. Genuine turquoise has moderate scratchability, whereas howlite and magnesite are softer stones and scratch more easily.
Acetone Test
Another way to identify a fake turquoise stone is by conducting an acetone test. Gently rub the stone with acetone using a cotton swab. Acetone can remove dye, so if the color of the stone comes off after rubbing, you have a fake stone on your hands. For those who are worried about damaging their natural turquoise with acetone, rest assured that nothing will happen if you rub acetone on natural turquoise. Stabilized turquoise, on the other hand, may be damaged by acetone.
Hot Needle Test
The hot needle test is a great way to identify plastic jewelry. Plastic will melt when exposed to heat, but genuine turquoise will not. Heat one end of a needle for some time, and then place it against the stone. If it melts, you know it’s a fake.
Weight and Temperature Test
Real turquoise is cooler and heavier than plastic, which can feel warm and light by comparison. If you have held genuine turquoise before, you will be able to tell the difference.
Price and Source Test
Real turquoise is expensive, so if a supposedly “genuine” turquoise stone is being sold for an extremely low price, it's probably fake. Always make sure to conduct a detailed investigation on the seller before purchasing a turquoise piece. A reputable seller will answer all of your questions without hesitation.
Destruction Test
This test is really only feasible if you have purchased a large piece of turquoise that you plan to shape yourself. It involves breaking the turquoise apart to see if it has a matrix and a blue color on the inside. Fake pieces have matrices and color painted on the outside, but not the inside.
Professional Verification
If you cannot conduct tests on your own, you can always seek the help of a professional. A gemologist can help you tell genuine turquoise from fake using lab tools.
Review of Origin
Natural turquoise is named after the mine it comes from. You should look for stones with origin-specific names, as they are more likely to be authentic. Each turquoise mine produces stones with a distinct appearance. You can look at photos of stones from the same mine to get an idea of what they generally look like and compare them to the stone you want to purchase. Some well-known turquoise mines include the Sleeping Beauty mine, the Kingman mine, and the Bisbee mine.
Shop Authentic Turquoise Jewelry at SilverTQ
Turquoise is a beautiful gemstone, but the market is filled with fakes. Thankfully, when you shop at SilverTQ, you will never have to worry about the authenticity of your Native American jewelry. We only sell genuine turquoise jewelry with turquoise sourced from the most well-known mines in North America. Each of our pieces is handmade and hallmarked so that you can trust in its provenance. Browse our curated selection, and find something that speaks to you.
