How to Test Turquoise – Simple Ways to Verify Real Gemstone

When working with how to test turquoise, the process of determining if a turquoise stone is genuine or treated. Also known as turquoise authenticity test, it helps buyers avoid fakes and make confident purchases.

Testing turquoise encompasses several sub‑methods. First up, turquoise gemstone, a blue‑green copper-aluminium mineral prized for its vivid color is examined for natural matrix patterns. Real turquoise shows a web‑like veining, while dyed stones often have uniform color without any matrix. This visual inspection is the quickest step and requires only good lighting and a magnifier.

Key Tools and Techniques for Accurate Results

Beyond looks, specific gravity, the density measurement comparing a stone’s weight in air versus water is a reliable indicator. Genuine turquoise typically measures between 2.6 and 2.9. To perform the test, weigh the stone dry, then submerge it in water and note the displaced volume. The ratio reveals whether the stone’s density matches natural turquoise or a lighter plastic imitation.

Another powerful method is UV light analysis, exposing a stone to ultraviolet radiation to observe fluorescence. Under UV, authentic turquoise often glows a soft blue or remains dark, whereas many dyed or treated stones fluoresce bright green or orange. This test requires only a handheld UV flashlight and a dark room, making it handy for shop floors.

Hardness testing also plays a role. Turquoise ranks around 5–6 on the Mohs scale. By gently scratching the stone with a steel needle (hardness 5.5) you can gauge its resistance. Real turquoise will resist a light scratch, while softer imitations may show marks. Use caution and always test on an inconspicuous spot.

Each of these techniques—visual inspection, specific gravity, UV light, and hardness—forms a layered approach. Combining them reduces the chance of a false positive. For example, a stone that passes the visual check but fails the density test is likely dyed, while one that shines under UV but feels soft may be a low‑grade substitute.

In practice, professionals often start with the easy visual cues, then move to density or UV tests for confirmation. This workflow saves time and resources, especially for traders handling large inventories. Remember, the goal isn’t just to spot fakes but to understand why a stone behaves the way it does, which builds trust with customers.

With these methods in hand, you’ll feel equipped to evaluate turquoise on sight, by weight, under UV, and by feel. Below you’ll find a curated set of articles that dive deeper into each technique, share real‑world examples, and offer tips for buying or selling turquoise with confidence.