TURQUOISE TRIVIA...

Turquoise is a gem that has been revered and worn by cultures all over the world since at least 4,000 B.C. It is still much beloved because of its sky-blue to blue-green to apple-green color which is complimentary to a setting of either silver or gold. The name comes from a french word for "Turkish stone". Although the better quality of turquoise is found in mostly Persian region countries such as Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan, as well as in Eastern Australia, Tibet, Israel, Tanzania and China, none can compare to that unearthed in the southwestern United States. Native American jewelry has proven to be much more than a fad and is as popular today as ever, if not more so. Top quality turquoise, coral and sterling silver jewelry is hand-crafted by Navajo, Zuni and Hopi Indian silversmiths throughout the southwest, earning worldwide acclaim for their unique artistic styles. Veins of turquoise are most often found throughout copper mines and for years have been sold off to concessionaires. When you see a gemstone referred to as being Sleeping Beauty or Morenci turquoise, that simply means that it came from either the Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona (Gila county) or the Morenci mine in Morenci, Arizona (Greenlee county). On occassion you'll still see some Kingman or Bisbee turquoise, but many of those supplies played out years ago. It is often found with matrix, the host rock that turquoise is associated with. This causes the veining found throughout the gem. Turquoise is porous and 19% water, so contact with liquids, oils or even perspiration should be avoided. Jewelry made with turquoise should be removed before washing hands, etc. The pure blue color is rare. Most stones contain the matrix from which it was found. Although the stones without matrix are rarer and more valuable, many people find the black matrix attractive, and makes the stone unique. Turquoise is commonly impregnated with plastic, colorless oil or wax to improve color and increase durability. Untreated turquoise will eventually turn green.