Fakebusters: Turquoise

In this episode of fake busters I will be doing turquoise vs... well everything else...

These examples are pretty easy, and I am sure you will all agree on which one is the real deal. But it isn't always that easy. If you have a raw piece you are looking for a more chalky texture and even when tumbled it will usually feel thus. Turquoise is actually very soft, and often needs to be stabilised to be durable. Most times you will be looking for great colour variation, including the vibrant blue we all love through green and to chalky white. It can be all of the above in one piece too.

However this gets more difficult with the American turquoises, especially that from the famous Sleeping Beauty mine. Then it really comes down to looking for dye "blebbing" where it accumultes oddly. Will try to get a pic in the comments. Also texture plays a great part then too. It will feel smooth but give a bit of friction. If truly in doubt, bust open a bead or wrap in wet paper towel. Often the dye will leech out a little!

Dye blebbing