Few gemstones capture the imagination and spirit like turquoise. Its mesmerizing hues, spanning vibrant sky blues to earthy greens, have adorned jewellery for millennia, carrying cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic significance.
Turquoise hues remind us of tranquil skies and serene oceans. Its soothing tones create a deep connection to nature, providing a sense of peace and balance. Its association with protection and healing make it a meaningful gemstone for personal and spiritual growth.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the history, varieties, care, 3 fun facts about turquoise, and how it pairs beautifully with Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse.
The Rich History of Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the world’s oldest gemstones, treasured for over 6,000 years. Ancient Egyptians adorned themselves with turquoise jewellery and used the stone in burial rites, as seen in the iconic 3000 year old burial mask of King Tutankhamun. The Persians believed turquoise brought protection, often wearing it as a talisman against misfortune. And Native American tribes like the Navajo and Zuni integrated turquoise into their cultures. The Zuni believe turquoise is an embodiment of the sun’s life-giving power and the Navajo associate turquoise with protection and healing, gifting a string of turquoise beads to babies at birth. The Navajo squash blossom necklaces are one of the most iconic and well known pieces of Native American jewellery. These necklaces typically feature silver beads interspersed with silver "blossoms" and are adorned with stunning turquoise stones in various shapes and sizes. The turquoise represents protection, healing, and harmony. While originally worn for ceremonial purposes, these necklaces are now cherished for their cultural significance, exquisite craftsmanship, and striking beauty.
Across these civilizations, turquoise was more than a decorative stone—it was sacred, symbolic, and deeply tied to spiritual beliefs.
The Diverse Types of Turquoise
Turquoise is an amazingly diverse gemstone, with each type bearing distinct characteristics tied to its geographic origin. Natural turquoise can be found on 5 different continents: North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia!
Here are some of our favourite notable examples:
1. Kingston Mine Turquoise
Found in New Mexico, Kingston Mine turquoise boasts a vivid blue hue with striking matrix patterns. This variety often features intricate veins of host rock, giving it a raw, natural appeal.
2. Fox Turquoise
Hailing from Nevada, Fox Turquoise is known for its mix of bright greens and deep blues. This durable stone is cherished for its stability and vibrant colour, making it ideal for enduring jewellery pieces.
3. Hubei Turquoise
From China’s Hubei Province, this variety comes in a stunning range of shades, from vibrant blues to soft greens, often with intricate veining. Its versatile beauty has made it a global favourite. One of our favourite gemstones here at Mikel Grant Jewellery is spiderweb turquoise from Hubei.
4. Arizona Turquoise
Arizona produces several iconic turquoise varieties, including Sleeping Beauty turquoise, famed for its pure robin’s egg blue and minimal matrix. Arizona turquoise embodies classic Southwestern jewellery aesthetics.
5. Nacozari Turquoise
From Sonora, Mexico, Nacozari turquoise stands out with its intense blue-green tones and bold matrix patterns. It has a long-standing connection to traditional Native American jewellery.
6. Morenci Turquoise
Morenci turquoise, mined in Arizona, features rich blue hues often flecked with pyrite inclusions that resemble silver. Its high quality makes it a prized stone for collectors and artisans.
7. Lone Mountain Turquoise
Known for its bright blue shade and webbed matrix, Lone Mountain turquoise from Nevada is a collector’s dream. Its vibrant patterns lend themselves beautifully to statement jewellery pieces.
8. Ribbon Turquoise
Also known as "boulder turquoise," this variety features thin ribbons of turquoise within the host rock. Found in Nevada, its earthy, raw aesthetic appeals to nature lovers and those drawn to organic designs.
9. Tibetan Turquoise
Tibetan turquoise offers a darker palette with greenish-blue tones and dramatic matrix patterns. Hailing from the Himalayas, it carries centuries of spiritual significance, used in Buddhist amulets for strength and protection.
What makes turquoise blue and/or green?
Turquoise is a mineral made up of copper, aluminum, phosphorus, oxygen, water and sometimes iron. These elements combine in a specific way under specific conditions to form the beautiful gemstone we recognize and adore.
Its colour is influenced by the following factors:
1. Copper Content (Blue Hue)
- The presence of copper in turquoise is primarily responsible for its blue colour. Copper ions absorb certain wavelengths of light, resulting in the vivid blue hues that turquoise is known for.
- Examples of predominantly blue turquoise include Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Kingman Turquoise.
2. Iron Content (Green Hue)
- When iron is present in the turquoise’s chemical structure, it can produce more greenish hues. Iron partially replaces the aluminum in turquoise, altering the absorption of light and shifting the colour towards green.
- Examples of greener turquoise include Tibetan Turquoise and Hubei Turquoise.
3. Water Content
- The amount of water in turquoise also plays a role in its colour. Higher water content can lead to a softer, paler shade, while lower water content can result in a deeper, more intense colour.
4. Environmental Conditions
- The specific conditions in which turquoise forms, such as temperature, pressure, and the surrounding minerals, affect its final colour. The local geology of a turquoise deposit determines the trace elements present, leading to distinctive variations in hue and matrix patterns.
Four Fun Facts About Turquoise
- Oldest Known Gemstone in Jewellery Turquoise is one of the first gemstones ever used in jewellery, dating back to 3000 BCE. Its timelessness ensures it stays a flawless choice today.
- Colour-Changing Properties Genuine turquoise can subtly change colour over time due to exposure to sunlight, oils, or body chemistry, making each piece uniquely reflective of its wearer’s journey.
- Sacred Stone for Communication Often regarded as a "stone of communication," turquoise is believed to aid in clear articulation and honest expression, adding to its enduring appeal.
- December's Birthstone Turquoise has been officially accepted as December's birthstone since 1912, but its association with this month can be traced back to ancient traditions and even medieval practices.
How to Spot Real vs. Fake Turquoise
As turquoise’s popularity grows, so do imitations. Here are some tips to spot the difference between real turquoise and fakes:
Colour & Pattern
Real turquoise has natural variations in its colour and matrix, often displaying a mix of blues, greens, and browns. The matrix, which is the web-like pattern formed by the stone’s mineral inclusions, is usually irregular and unique to each piece. Genuine turquoise stones typically feature complex patterns and veins that can range from spiderweb-like designs to larger mottled formations.
Fake turquoise, on the other hand, often exhibits unnaturally uniform colours and patterns. If you see a turquoise piece with a perfectly even colour or pattern, it may be a dyed or synthetic stone. However, note that there are exceptions to this: high grade turquoise from certain mines can display uniform colour - like Sleeping beauty and Kingman turquoise prized for their often flawless blue colouration.
Surface Texture
Real turquoise is a relatively soft stone, ranging between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness (a diamond is the hardest stone, rating a 10 on the Mohs scale). It’s prone to scratches and can be slightly porous, meaning it can feel rough or textured on its surface. Over time, authentic turquoise may show signs of wear, developing a patina or slight discolouration due to exposure to oils, sunlight, or wear.
Fake turquoise often has a smoother, glossier finish and a harder texture. Reconstituted turquoise (crushed turquoise mixed with resins and dyes) and dyed howlite may feel harder or even unnaturally smooth compared to real turquoise.
Price
Real turquoise, especially from reputable sources, is rarely cheap. Be cautious of low prices.
Scratch Test
A more advanced method to test authenticity is the scratch test. If you gently scratch the stone with a fingernail or knife, real turquoise will show very faint marks, while plastic or dyed howlite imitations will either scratch more easily being much softer materials. However, be cautious with this test, as it could damage the stone if not done carefully. If you are keen to perform this test, do it on the underside of the piece.
Use of UV Light
Real turquoise doesn’t typically fluoresce under UV light.
Fake turquoise or howlite, a common fake, often glows under UV light, which is another giveaway that it isn’t genuine turquoise.
Pairing Turquoise and Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse
Pantone’s Mocha Mousse—a warm, earthy brown—is the perfect complement to turquoise. The combination of turquoise’s cool blues and greens with Mocha Mousse’s warm, rich tones creates a balanced, sophisticated palette that is both grounding and refreshing.
3 Ideas for How to Style Turquoise with Mocha Mousse:
1. Layered Bracelets:
Stack turquoise bead bracelets with Mocha Mousse-coloured leather or wood beads for a chic, earthy vibe.
2. Statement Necklaces:
Wear a bold turquoise pendant against a Mocha Mousse blouse or dress to create a stunning contrast.
3. Rings & Nail Color Combo:
Wear a turquoise statement ring paired with a Mocha Mousse nail polish for an effortlessly coordinated and polished look.
These pairings blends the warmth of earth with the tranquility of the sky—a perfect symbol of balance and harmony🪷
Caring for Your Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is a porous and sensitive stone, requiring special care to maintain its vibrancy.
- Avoid Chemicals: Protect turquoise from exposure to perfumes, cleaning agents, and even sunscreen, which can discolour the stone.
- Clean Gently: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean turquoise jewellery. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners.
- Store Safely: Keep turquoise away from prolonged sunlight or heat, as it can cause fading. Store it separately to prevent scratching against harder gemstones or metals.
And as we always advise at Mikel Grant Jewellery: use the rule of thumb for jewellery care: First off, last on. Finish your beauty routine and THEN put your jewellery on. Proper care ensures your turquoise remains as stunning as the day you acquired it.
Turquoise is more than just a beautiful gemstone—it’s a piece of history, culture, and personal expression. From its vibrant hues and varied origins to its deep spiritual significance, turquoise captivates us with its timeless appeal. Paired with modern trends like Pantone’s Mocha Mousse, turquoise continues to reinvent itself, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and contemporary style.
Whether you’re drawn to the vivid blues of Sleeping Beauty turquoise, the earthy appeal of ribbon turquoise, or the spiritual depth of Tibetan turquoise, one thing is certain: turquoise jewellery is a celebration of beauty, balance, and harmony.
