Turquoise Stone (Firoza)

Turquoise is a hydrated basic copper and aluminum phosphate mineral (CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O):

• Gemological Color Origin: The classic sky-blue to robin’s egg blue color is produced by fundamental copper (Cu²⁺) ions within its microcrystalline aggregate crystal structure. When iron (Fe³⁺) partly takes the place of aluminum, the coloration shifts into lively shades of apple-green, turquoise-green, or greenish-blue.
• Natural Host-Rock Matrix: Natural turquoise forms as mineral-rich groundwater percolates through weathered host rocks such as limonite, sandstone, or shale. Veins of the surrounding host rock remain embedded in the polished cabochon as delicate brown, black, or golden matrix webbing—including the celebrated “spiderweb” pattern.
• American vs. Irani (Persian) Sourcing: Our stock is mostly American Turquoise, known for bright sky-blue colour, with some Irani (Persian) Turquoise; Iran’s Nishapur mines have supplied prized Firoza for centuries. Read our Turquoise (Firoza) Buying Guide for detailed origin comparisons.

Due to high market popularity, turquoise is one of the most frequently simulated stones in the jewelry trade:

• Dyed Howlite / Magnesite (“Turquenite”): The most common commercial imitation is white howlite or magnesite chemically dyed sky blue. Under gemological magnification, dye is visibly concentrated along surface micro-fissures, and its specific gravity (2.58) and refractive index (1.59) differ distinctly from authentic turquoise.
• Reconstituted / Block Turquoise: Crushed turquoise chalk mixed with colored plastic resin. Block turquoise feels lightweight, warm to the touch (lacking true mineral coldness), and gives off a pungent plastic odor under gemological thermal testing.
• Our Turquoise: Much of the turquoise on the market is resin-stabilized; every Turquoise at Ratna Gems is natural, earth-mined and listed as untreated, and each comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory.

Every Turquoise (Firoza) gemstone at Ratna Gems is individually tested and comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory. The certificate identifies the mineral species as Natural Turquoise (Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate), exact carat and ratti weight, dimensions, specific gravity (2.60–2.85), refractive index (spot reading about 1.61–1.65), hardness (5.0–6.0 on Mohs scale), natural matrix structure, and confirms untreated natural status. Each report carries its own report number, which you can quote to the laboratory to check it.

Lab Report Included: Every gemstone comes with a report from an independent gem testing laboratory at no extra charge. If you specifically require an additional report from GII, IIGJ, or IGI, you can select it from the certification dropdown on the product page (official laboratory testing fees apply in advance on a non-refundable basis).

Because natural turquoise is an aggregate mineral with fine microscopic porosity and a Mohs hardness of 5.0 to 6.0, thoughtful handling is essential to preserve its color over decades:

• Protect from Chemicals & Cosmetics: Untreated turquoise readily absorbs liquids, skin oils, perfumes, cosmetics, hairsprays, household detergents, and chlorine, which can oxidize copper and permanently turn a sky-blue stone dull greenish-brown. Always put on turquoise jewelry after applying makeup, perfumes, and lotions.
• Avoid Heat & Direct Sun: Excessive heat can dehydrate the stone’s constitutional water molecules, causing discoloration, micro-fractures, or surface chalkiness.
• Safe Cleaning: Clean solely by gently wiping with a soft, clean cloth slightly dampened with lukewarm water, then dry immediately with a microfiber towel. Never soak in water, and never use steam cleaners, ultrasonic machines, or commercial jewelry chemicals. Store in a separate dry fabric pouch.

For customers observing classical Asian and Indian cultural traditions, literature outlines the following customary conventions:

• Customary Metals: Sterling Silver (925 Silver), Panchdhatu, or Yellow Gold are traditionally considered the ideal setting for Firoza.
• Traditional Placement: Customarily worn on the middle finger (Madhyama) or index finger (Tarjani) of the working hand, or as a pendant.
• Traditional Timing: Customary traditions often observe Thursday mornings or Friday mornings during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) around sunrise.
• Traditional Role (Upratna): Valued for centuries in Persian, Tibetan and Indian traditions; in Indian practice it is sometimes worn as an Upratna (substitute) associated with Jupiter (Brihaspati) or Venus (Shukra).