Turquoise | Gemstone Lexicon RENÉSIM

One of the oldest gemstones in the world

overview

Naming : The name of turquoise comes from the French pierre turquoise and means "Turkish stone".
Mineral group: Turquoise forms its own mineral group.
Color : Turquoise is a gemstone that can be found in the colors sky blue, blue-green and apple green. The most sought-after color of turquoise is the sky blue.
Cut : The turquoise gemstone is usually made into beads or a cabochon. However, the gemstone can also be carved.
Special feature : This gemstone is one of the oldest gemstones and, thanks to its fascinating color, was revered in many cultures as a lucky charm or even a sacred stone even in ancient times. For example, it was used as jewelry for rulers in ancient Egypt, by the Aztecs and the Persians.

Color

The most sought-after color of turquoise is a sky blue color.

carat

Turquoise is a particularly valuable large gemstone. The value of a turquoise gemstone increases disproportionately with its size. The size is measured by weight in carats (ct). A one-carat gemstone weighs around 0.2 grams. However, other factors also play an important role, such as color, clarity and cut.

purity

Turquoise is usually interspersed with brown, grey or black veins of other minerals or surrounding rocks (turquoise matrix). Although this marbling gives each turquoise a very unique look, due to their rarity, gemstones that have as few or none of these veins as possible are particularly valuable.

cut

A turquoise gemstone is usually made into beads or a cabochon. However, there are also carved turquoise gemstones.

The Turquoise Gemstone and its Etymology

The turquoise trade route actually used to go through Turkey, but it actually came from Iran. Turquoise eventually became known in Europe through returning crusaders. The gemstone's name is therefore based on a misunderstanding. An earlier name for turquoise, which is now outdated, was kallait, from the ancient Greek kalláϊnos ("blue and green shimmering").

Special Turquoise Gemstones

Napoleon gave his second wife a tiara set with turquoise gemstones. Today, it can be admired in the Smithsonian Institution.

Special occasions

birthstone

The turquoise gemstone is traditionally the birthstone for December.

wedding anniversary

For the 11th wedding anniversary, a turquoise gemstone or a piece of jewelry set with turquoise gemstones is often given as a gift.

occurrence of the turquoise gemstone

The best turquoise deposits are still in Iran. Other places where turquoise can be found are Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Tanzania and the USA. The turquoise deposits in Egypt were exploited as early as 4000 BC. Today they are of only historical value.

jewelry with turquoise gemstones

Would you like to buy a loose turquoise, are you interested in a turquoise ring or other turquoise jewelry? We are always looking for the most beautiful gemstones in the world for our customers. We would be happy to fulfill your wish for a turquoise gemstone or even a fine piece of turquoise jewelry. Just contact us.

Turquoise gemstone selection at RENÉSIM

Turquoise is particularly valuable as a larger gemstone because it is extremely rare to find it in large mineral aggregates; accordingly, the price of turquoise increases disproportionately to the size of the stone. Are you interested in a turquoise gemstone?

Loose gemstones