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What is Stabilized Turquoise?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Stabilized turquoise is created by adding a clear resin to chalk, or soft, turquoise to help enhance the color and well as increase the hardness of the stone. Chalk, or soft, turquoise is usually a lower grade of turquoise as it is too soft to be used on its own for jewelry and must be stabilized with resin. Since turquoise is a very porous substance, the resin fills in the tiny holes and crevices to form a firm stabilized turquoise stone.

Most turquoise is treated in some way. Natural untreated turquoise is actually quite rare, as only about three percent of the turquoise sold in the world is mined and sold without anything being added to it. The term treated turquoise is used to mean any turquoise that is stabilized with dyed resin rather than clear. Treated turquoise is usually less expensive than either natural or stabilized turquoise, but it may look artificial in color.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

Natural turquoise changes color the more it is worn as it reacts with the oils in the skin. Stabilized turquoise, on the other hand, stabilizes, or keeps, the color of the stone the same no matter how much it is worn next to the skin. Stabilized turquoise costs less than natural turquoise, but is still considered beautiful and desirable.

Stabilized turquoise differs greatly from reconsituted turquoise. Reconstituted turquoise is the cheapest type of turquoise. It is a soft, or chalk, turquoise powder that has a great deal of resin and dye added to the powder. This mixture is then pressed into blocks and cut into many different shapes. Imitation turquoise contains no turquoise at all, not even soft, or chalk, turquoise. Either just dyed resin is used to make imitation turquoise or the dyed resin is added to a white stone such as howlite.

It's important for turquoise buyers to know what they're getting since it's not always easy to tell how much resin something sold as turquoise actually contains. One test is to heat a pin and place it on the turquoise. If the stone is actually mostly resin, the pin will sink way into the piece and leave a mark. The turquoise buyer should always get a signed receipt from the seller as to what type of turquoise he/she is supposed to be selling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is stabilized turquoise, and why is it treated?

Stabilized turquoise is natural turquoise that has been treated with a stabilizing compound to enhance its durability and color. This process is necessary because turquoise is naturally porous and may be too soft for use in jewelry. Stabilization helps prevent the absorption of oils and other substances that could discolor or damage the stone.

How can you tell if turquoise is stabilized?

Identifying stabilized turquoise typically requires expertise, but there are clues. Stabilized turquoise often has a more uniform color and lacks the natural matrix patterns of untreated turquoise. It may also have a resin-like sheen. Jewelers or gemologists can provide a more definitive assessment using magnification and other professional tools.

Does stabilization affect the value of turquoise?

Yes, stabilization can affect the value of turquoise. Natural, untreated turquoise is generally more valuable due to its rarity and natural beauty. Stabilized turquoise is more abundant and less expensive, making it accessible for a wider range of jewelry but less valuable to collectors and connoisseurs.

Is stabilized turquoise considered authentic?

Stabilized turquoise is considered authentic as it is made from real turquoise that has been treated to enhance its properties. However, it is distinct from untreated, natural turquoise and is typically disclosed as stabilized by reputable sellers to differentiate it from its natural counterpart.

What are the benefits of choosing stabilized turquoise?

Stabilized turquoise offers several benefits, including increased durability, resistance to chemicals and cosmetics, and a vibrant color that does not fade easily. It is also more affordable than natural turquoise, making it a popular choice for everyday jewelry that can withstand regular wear.

Can stabilized turquoise be used in all types of jewelry?

Stabilized turquoise is versatile and can be used in a wide range of jewelry pieces, from rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. Its enhanced durability makes it suitable for settings that may expose the stone to more wear and tear, ensuring the jewelry maintains its beauty over time.

Discussion Comments

anon87756

Really good information. I want to be prepared for my customers' questions when they arise. Thanks!

anon86335

Brilliant. It not only explains what the process is and how it changes the constitution of the mineral, but as a practice, stabilising is done on other minerals as well, for instance, gaspeite so now I know.

Also, helps greatly in deciding whether or not to even try to negotiate the minefield of the Asian market for gem stones. I am Australian and even though it is close for me, unfortunately the great difference between cultures of, particularly the Chinese, can lead to horrid confusion and even the impression of personal insult (which I'm sure is never the intention) at times.

What would I do without you lot!

anon75571

Most of the turquoise that comes out of China that is called stabilized turquoise is actually magnesite. If the vendor is not able to tell the difference (which is hard to do with much of it) they may mistakenly believe it is stabilized turquoise.

In the trade Chinese stabilized turquoise from a Chinese vendor always means magnesite. When a Chinese vendor calls something natural turquoise that means it is turquoise or chalk that has been stabilized. It is how they present their product.

So if you are buying stabilized turquoise, be sure you are buying from a vendor who knows the difference. I see many places that take their supplier's word for it but they do not understand the difference.

anon75053

This is the best info about these stones. very clear and concise info about each. Very good work!

anon68849

Thank you for the info!

anon66245

Thanks--just the info i wanted!

anon60960

well organized, thorough scope of topic, clear and concise, and useful links and resources.

anon40439

thanks for the helpful info.

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