People have loved turquoise for thousands of years. Turquoise is a very calming color, and it goes with everything. That's why turquoise is still very popular today, in everything from trendy jewelry to modern designs. It can be hard to figure out how much turquoise costs.

There are things that affect the price of a turquoise stone. Unlike diamonds, turquoise doesn't have a set price. Prices for turquoise vary a lot depending on its quality, whether or not it has been treated, where it comes from, and how it looks. This page shows you how to set a price for turquoise.

What is the price range for turquoise?

The price of turquoise is highly variable, and this is entirely due to the fact that the quality of the turquoise is the primary factor.

Here is what you might expect to pay for turquoise:

• Turquoise that is not very good or has been treated can cost between $1 and $10 for each carat of turquoise.

• Turquoise of quality can cost between $10 and $50 for each carat of turquoise.

• The price of high-quality turquoise of high quality is between $50 and $200 for each carat of natural turquoise.

• The price of top-grade turquoise or rare turquoise can be $200 to $1,000 or more for each carat of turquoise.

People who buy and sell gemstones generally agree on these prices for turquoise.

When you look at the listings on websites like GemstonesForSale, you will see that the prices of turquoise are different based on the type of turquoise and the quality of turquoise.

Look through our carefully chosen selection of premium turquoise stones for sale.

Turquoise Price by Type

There are different kinds of turquoise stones, and the kind you choose can have a big effect on how much they are worth. One big difference is whether the turquoise is real or has been treated to make it last longer.

• Natural: Natural turquoise isn't treated and stays the same way it is. It's worth more because it's not common, and collectors love it.

• Stabilized: Turquoise that has been treated with resin to make it stronger and last longer. It's readily available and more affordable, making it a popular choice for everyday jewelry. 

Another important factor is quality. High-quality turquoise is bright and rich in color, has a smooth surface, and has an even tone. It also doesn't have many flaws that are easy to see. It costs more because it's harder to find.

In simple terms, turquoise that is harder to find and looks better costs more, while turquoise that is more common and has been treated costs less.

How can you keep Tourmaline stones shining like new? Learn the best cleaning and care practices in our detailed gemstone guide.

What Makes Turquoise Worth More?

There are a few key things that affect how much a turquoise stone is worth.

Color: Stones that are a bright, even blue are usually worth the most. Some shades of green can also be pretty, but deep blue is usually the most expensive color.

Matrix: The stone's natural patterns also affect how much it's worth. Stones that don't have a lot of matrices are usually worth more. Stones with heavy or uneven patterns, on the other hand, can be worth less. These fine patterns, which look like webs, can sometimes make things look more original.

Origin: Some sources are more trustworthy than others. For instance, Persian (Iranian) turquoise is known for its deep blue color, and some American types are very valuable to collectors. Things that come from places that aren't very common are usually worth more.

Price Comparison: Cheap vs Premium Turquoise

Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the price difference better:

This comparison shows why two turquoise stones can look the same at first but be very different in price. Platforms like GemstonesForSale usually reflect these differences clearly in both visuals and pricing.

Is Turquoise Expensive?

The quality of the turquoise determines whether it is purchased at a low cost or at a high cost.

• There are a lot of affordable options for everyday use.
• High-end stones can be expensive because there aren't many of them, and people want them.
• Turquoise isn't always expensive; instead, it comes in a wide range of prices that work for different types of buyers.

Is investing in turquoise a good idea?

In some cases, turquoise can be a good investment, but not always.

Most of the time, turquoise that is good for investing has:

• A composition that is natural and hasn't been changed
• Color that is bright and doesn't change
• Not many mistakes
• Source that is known

Over time, natural turquoise that is of high quality becomes less common, which could make it more valuable in the long run. But turquoise that has been stabilized or is of low quality is not likely to go up in value very much.

It's important to buy gemstones from a reliable source, just like any other type of stone. GemstonesForSale and other sites like it help make sure that the items are real and that the quality is graded correctly.

How do you protect Lapis Lazuli from damage and fading? Read our expert gemstone care guide for safe cleaning and proper storage techniques.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a turquoise stone cost? The answer is completely based on the quality, treatment, color, and where it came from.

A simple treated stone might only cost a few dollars per carat, but a rare, high-quality natural turquoise could be worth hundreds or even thousands. To make a wise buying decision, understanding these distinctions is key.

Don't be hasty; consider your choices carefully, opting for the most suitable rather than the simplest. If you know what you're doing and buy from a trusted source like GemstonesForSale, you'll be able to find a turquoise stone that fits both your budget and your needs.

FAQs

What are some things that affect how much turquoise is worth?

When judging turquoise, people look at its quality, color, condition (natural/untreated), and where it came from. Therefore, turquoise can range in value from $1.00 per carat to over $1000.00 per carat based on these factors.    

Is turquoise expensive? 

Turquoise can be expensive (a high-value, rare material) or cheap (an average material that is more common).

What are the most important things that affect how much turquoise costs?

The main things that affect the price of turquoise are its color, treatment (natural or stabilized), type of matrix, and where it came from.

What price range (per carat) would you expect to see turquoise sold for?

Typically, the price range for turquoise is $1.00 per carat to $200.00 per carat; however, premium-quality turquoise can command prices that are much higher.

Is untreated (natural) turquoise worth more than treated (stabilized) turquoise?

Yes, untreated (natural) turquoise is more limited and therefore worth significantly more than treated (stabilized) turquoise.