Turquoise jewelry has captivated people for centuries with its stunning hues, ranging from turquoise blue to turquoise green. However, many people are surprised to see their vibrant turquoise rings change color over time. If you’ve noticed your once-vibrant stone looking dull or different, don’t worry then you’re not alone! Let’s explore why turquoise changes color, what affects its hue, and how to restore turquoise to its original brilliance.
Natural Composition of Turquoise
Since turquoise is a natural gemstone that is formed through the combination of minerals such as aluminum, copper, and phosphorus, it tends to have several properties, some of which are mentioned below:
Mineral-Rich Formation
The stone is a chemical composition of turquoise consisting of many minerals that render its appearance. Such minerals often react with groundwater over thousands of years. As a result of which, the vibrant turquoise that is often admired in the jewelry market is formed.
Porous Nature
This tends to be one of the most unique of the turquoises, where it absorbs moisture, oils, and chemicals from the environment. It is also the reason why the turquoise color and appearance may change over time. Hence, it demands an extra layer of care as compared to other stones.
Color Variations
The uniqueness of the stone is that no two stones can look alike, as it comes with its own type of mineral composition. For instance, there will be stones that look bright sky blue, whereas, on the other hand, the stones may be either green or teal shades that come with a mix of natural patterns.
Sensitivity and Softness
Turquoise is often referred to as one of the natural soft gemstones when compared to stones such as diamonds or even sapphires, for that matter. This is why genuine turquoise jewelry can get affected by scratches and sunlight and sometimes even harsh chemicals.
Why Some Turquoise Turns Green
Turquoise stones sometimes develop greenish undertones instead of becoming darker blue. The reason for this occurrence lies in the gemstone's inner mineral structure. Stones that contain higher quantities of iron tend to develop greenish tinting as time progresses.
Turquoise stones sometimes develop greenish undertones instead of becoming darker blue. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the gemstone's inner mineral structure. The stones that contain higher iron content will develop greenish tinting as time goes by. Turquoise is a delicate, porous stone that can absorb oils, moisture, and chemicals from the environment. This absorption often leads to noticeable changes in the turquoise jewelry appearance. Furthermore, exposure to sunlight, heat, and even the pH levels of your skin can gradually alter the color of the stone.
Restoring & Maintaining Turquoise Jewelry
Over time, you may find that your vibrant turquoise jewelry has shifted to a greenish hue or developed a dull, faded appearance. To prevent this, it’s essential to understand the factors contributing to these changes and how to properly care for your turquoise pieces.
Gentle Cleaning
Using a soft and damp cloth to clean the antique turquoise jewelry regularly and removing dirt is enough to avoid any oil or dirt buildup. However, if you want to go for a deeper cleaning, then it is advised to go for a mild phosphate-free soap with a soft brush and clean the turquoise carefully.
Avoiding Chemicals & Sunlight
Some of the interactions, such as lotions, perfumes, and prolonged sunlight, can cause the stone to be discolored and compromise the natural color of the turquoise. Hence, it is often advised to remove the turquoise jewelry before applying the cosmetics.
Proper Storage
When it comes to storage, it is often recommended to store the stone in a soft pouch or in a lined jewelry box. This helps in preventing any scratches or moisture absorption. So to retain its natural color, try storing the jewelry in a cool and dry palace.
Professional Treatments
If the turquoise has been heavily discolored, then it may require professional attention from an expert jeweler. So in order to stabilize the natural color of the stone and improve the color and luster of the stone, it is recommended to seek professional help in such cases.
Turquoise Varieties & Their Unique Colors
Turquoise comes in many shades and types, including the following:
Turquoise Blue: The vibrant turquoise shade of sky blue serves as the standard for premium-quality turquoise stones and timeless elegance. The material achieves its refreshing appearance through its use in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and statement jewelry. The bright blue tone also pairs beautifully with silver and gold settings.
Turquoise Green: The turquoise, earthy green base results from its iron content, which gives the gemstone a natural, rustic look. Green turquoise has become increasingly popular in bohemian and vintage-inspired jewelry designs.
Teal Turquoise: Teal turquoise gemstone jewelry combines the calming effect of blue with the earthy warmth of green, making it visually striking and versatile. The shade exists as an ideal choice for contemporary jewelry designs and artistic gemstone arrangements.
Purple and Turquoise: The combination of purple shades and turquoise creates an artistic display that achieves immediate visual impact. The designer collections and statement jewelry pieces use these particular color combinations as their standard design elements.
Green-Colored Turquoise: The organic beauty of these shades receives admiration because people associate them with nature-inspired jewelry styles. Green-toned turquoise works beautifully with copper, silver, and oxidized metal settings.
Bluish Turquoise: The color combination shows a beautiful union between blue and green. The shade produces a refreshing appearance that works with both simple and extravagant jewelry designs. Bluish turquoise functions as a flexible color that women can match with both basic clothing and their different accessories.
Final Thoughts
Turquoise jewelry is a beautiful and timeless choice, but it requires care to maintain its signature vibrant turquoise color. Whether your stone has turned a turquoise green color or faded due to exposure, simple maintenance can help restore turquoise to its original brilliance. Whether you’re drawn to the turquoise blue of a classic piece or the rich, earthy tones of turquoise green, investing in quality turquoise ensures you’ll cherish your jewelry for a lifetime.
Hence, to explore and shop for authentic natural turquoise, visit BAUTLR, which has a wide collection of turquoise jewelry ranging from earrings, rings, necklaces, and even more.