Turquoise — that iconic robin’s-egg blue stone — has captivated civilizations for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian tombs to Native American jewelry to modern bohemian fashion, turquoise remains a powerful symbol of protection, luck, and beauty.

But buying turquoise today isn’t as simple as picking out a pretty stone. The market is flooded with treated stones, imitations, and unstable materials. Knowing how to recognize quality turquoise — and how to avoid getting ripped off — can save you serious money and disappointment.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy turquoise: types, value factors, treatments, authenticity tests, prices, and smart buying tips. Let’s dive in.

What Is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a striking gemstone born from a rare alchemy of copper and aluminum, with the scientific name CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·5H₂O. Its signature shades — from tranquil sky blues to rich greenish teals — are the result of copper (which gives it that vivid blue) and iron (which tints it with a soft green).

This gemstone forms over millions of years in dry, rocky regions, where water seeps through mineral-rich rocks and leaves behind breathtaking deposits. But not all turquoise is created equal — high-quality natural turquoise is a true rarity, especially in its pure, gem-grade form.

Whether you’re drawn to its color, energy, or timeless mystique, turquoise is more than just a pretty stone — it's a geological masterpiece.

Checkout our turquoise collection here.

How to Evaluate Turquoise Quality?

It is very important to understand and learn about some key points that can help you to evaluate your turquoise quality. Not all turquoise is created equal. Here’s a guide on the different types of turquoise primarily available around the world. Here are the four key factors that you need to know about:

A. Color

The most valuable turquoise colors are

• Robin’s Egg Blue (Persian Blue): It's an even, bright sky-blue without green.

• Medium Blue: Its slightly deeper tones are also highly valued.

• Greenish Blue: Some buyers love it, but generally it’s less valuable than pure blue.

B. Matrix

The matrix is the host rock (often limonite or sandstone) that's visible as veins or patterns in the turquoise.

• No Matrix: A clean, unspotted turquoise is highly prized.

• Spiderweb Matrix: Thin, intricate dark webbing can increase value, especially if attractive and even.

• Chunky Matrix: Thick, uneven patterns generally lower value.

C. Hardness and Density

• On a Mohs hardness scale, natural turquoise is somewhat soft. It is in the range of 5-6.

• Harder turquoise (denser material that can be polished without stabilizers) is much rarer and much more valuable.

D. Origin

The mine where turquoise comes from can dramatically affect value. Here are some well-known mines that produce some of the finest and most popular turquoise.

• Persian (Iranian) turquoise: It is known around the globe for clean, vivid blue turquoise.

• Sleeping Beauty Mine (Arizona): It is famous for pure blue stones with little or no matrix.

• Kingman Mine (Arizona): It is known for blue stones with a black spiderweb matrix.

• Royston Mine (Nevada): It produces stunning blue-green stones.

• Chinese Mines: They produce large quantities; top pieces can rival American and Persian turquoise, but mass production sometimes lowers the perceived value.

Want to understand which turquoise type pairs best with other gems? Explore What Are the Various Types of Turquoise Gemstones?

Types of Turquoise (Natural vs. Treated)

Understanding the type of turquoise you're buying is critical. Here’s a breakdown:

A. Natural Turquoise

• Definition: By definition, it is an untreated or minimally processed turquoise.

• Value: Since it’s untreated and natural, it is of the highest value.

• Note: Must be hard enough to be cut and polished without stabilization.

Checkout our natural turquoise collection here.

B. Stabilized Turquoise

• Definition: It is a soft or porous turquoise infused with clear resin or epoxy to make it more durable and polishable.

• Value: Its value is moderate since it's a genuine stone, just enhanced a bit with resin or epoxy.

Important: Over 90% of the turquoise on the market is stabilized. This isn’t necessarily bad if disclosed properly.

C. Treated (Enhanced) Turquoise

• Definition: Turquoise that’s dyed or otherwise treated to alter color. Dyes often make the turquoise look unnaturally bright or even neon. But if you are on a budget, then it might not be such a bad option.

• Value: It is a treated stone, so its value is low.

Checkout our treated turquoise collection here.

D. Reconstituted or Chalk Turquoise

• Definition: Turquoise dust or small fragments crushed, mixed with resin, and molded into solid shapes.

• Value: It is valued very low.

• Use: It is often sold cheaply in costume jewelry.

E. Imitation Turquoise

• Definition: It is fake turquoise made from dyed howlite, magnesite, resin, or plastic.

• Value: It has no value as turquoise.

• Warning: These fakes can be very convincing. Be very cautious to not get scammed.

Common Turquoise Treatments (and How to Spot Them)

Stabilization is usually fine (and disclosed), but beware of dyed or fake stones. You will come across various sellers who might scam you with dyed and fake turquoise, and you need to learn how to spot them.

Signs of dyed or fake turquoise:

• Neon-bright or overly uniform color.

• Color seeps into cracks or matrix.

• The surface looks glassy or plastic-like.

• Very low prices.

How to test at home:

• Rub a small, inconspicuous area with a cotton swab dipped in acetone (nail polish remover). If blue dye comes off, it’s dyed.

• Scratch test (only if you own the stone): Real turquoise is fairly hard; howlite or plastic will scratch easily.

Important: Always buy from reputable sources who disclose all treatments.

Make every pairing more powerful by learning how to care for your stone with our guide on How to Cleanse, Charge & Activate Turquoise.

How Much Does Turquoise Cost?

Prices vary wildly based on type, quality, and origin.

Note: Exceptional high-grade specimens (e.g., Persian or Lander Blue spiderweb) can sell for hundreds to thousands per carat.

Famous Turquoise Mines

Here are some mines whose names you might hear when shopping for turquoise:

• Sleeping Beauty (Arizona): No matrix, pure blue; closed in 2012, making existing stock very valuable.

• Kingman (Arizona): Wide range of blues, often with black matrix.

• Bisbee (Arizona): Rich blue with chocolate-brown matrix; very collectible.

• Royston (Nevada): Beautiful blue-green blends.

• Lander Blue (Nevada): Extremely rare, famed for tight black spiderweb matrix.

• Persian Mines (Iran): Legendary vivid sky-blue; highly coveted.

How to Buy Turquoise Safely

Do Your Homework: Learn about turquoise types, treatments, and mine names.

Ask Questions:

• Is this natural or stabilized?

• Has it been dyed or treated in any way?

• Where does it come from?

Buy From Reputable Sellers:

• Established jewelers, verified Native American artisans, and auction houses.

• Be cautious of online sellers with vague descriptions or unrealistically low prices.

Certificates and Guarantees:

• Some natural turquoise (especially expensive stones) comes with documentation of origin and treatment status.

Trust Your Eyes:

• Real turquoise has subtle variations — not a fake-looking “perfect” plastic vibe.

• If it looks too perfect or too cheap... it probably is.

Caring for Turquoise

Turquoise is relatively soft and porous. Care is essential to keep it beautiful.

Do:

• Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.

• Store away from harder gemstones to prevent scratches.

Don’t:

• Don’t expose your turquoise to chemicals (perfume, lotion, cleaning products).

• Don’t submerge in water (especially treated stones).

• Ultrasonic cleaners are a no-no.

Pro Tip: If your turquoise jewelry needs cleaning, use only a dry or slightly damp cloth. No soaking!

Want to style your turquoise like a trendsetter? Explore the latest looks in Turquoise Jewelry Trends 2025 and elevate every pairing.

Final Tips for First-Time Buyers

• Decide on a budget — natural untreated turquoise costs more, but stabilized turquoise is beautiful and affordable.

• Trust your instincts — if you fall in love with a stone, and it fits your budget, that’s enough.

• Educate yourself — understanding what you’re buying leads to better investments and more enjoyment.

Turquoise isn’t just a gemstone. It’s a piece of history, a slice of culture, and a touchstone for personal style. Whether you’re buying your first turquoise ring or investing in high-end collector stones, knowledge is your best ally.

Conclusion

Buying turquoise can feel overwhelming at first — the terminology, the treatments, the prices — but it doesn’t have to be.

Focus on learning the basics, buying from trusted sources, and trusting your eyes and heart. Whether you’re drawn to vivid Persian blue or love the earthy greens of Royston turquoise, there’s a perfect piece waiting for you.

When you wear turquoise, you’re carrying thousands of years of human history — and a little bit of magic — with you.