Does turquoise come in lime green?

Turquoise is a bluish-green color that has been prized for centuries. The name originates from the French word for Turkish, as turquoise was originally imported from Turkey. Turquoise gets its distinctive color from traces of copper and iron in its crystal structure. It has long been associated with beauty, protection, and healing powers. While traditional turquoise gemstones are found in various shades of blue and green, more recently, treated turquoise has been created in a wider array of colors, including lime green.

The Natural Colors of Turquoise

In nature, turquoise is only found in shades of blue and green. The specific hue can range from a greenish robin’s egg blue to a deeper aqua. Here are some of the most common natural turquoise colors:

– Sky blue – This pale blue shade almost looks like it has white mixed in. It is considered the lightest tone of natural turquoise.

– Robin’s egg blue – Slightly brighter than sky blue, this hue resembles the pale blue color of robin eggs. It is one of the most desirable and valuable shades of natural turquoise.

– Persian blue – Ranging from light to medium blue, Persian blue turquoise comes from Iran (formerly Persia). It often has noticeable veins or matrices running through it.

– Teal – Turquoise that appears light greenish-blue is referred to as teal. It is considered a quintessential turquoise color.

– Aqua – Deeper and brighter than teal, aqua turquoise has a distinctly greenish cast. The color resembles tropical ocean waters.

– Seafoam green – At the green end of the spectrum, seafoam turquoise has visible green tones mixed with pale blue.

The Development of Lime Green Turquoise

Lime green falls well outside the spectrum of naturally occurring turquoise. It possesses a bright yellowish-green hue that almost appears fluorescent. So how did lime green turquoise come about?

In the 1960s, new treatments were developed that altered the molecular structure of turquoise to change its color. One of the earliest was Zachery Treatment, named after the American geologist who patented the process. By exposing turquoise to extreme heat and pressure in a vacuum chamber, Zachery Treatment shifted the gem’s color from blue to green.

Other enhanced turquoise treatments were later introduced by companies like Gilson and Intergem. These treatments used dyes, epoxies, polymers, and other stabilizing agents to alter turquoise to unnatural hues like neon lime green. Treated turquoise is also sometimes referred to as “reconstituted turquoise” since its chemical structure has been altered.

The development of stabilized lime green turquoise made the exotic shade available and affordable. Naturally occurring turquoise in uniformly bright lime green does not exist.

How Lime Green Turquoise is Graded and Priced

There are established grading systems for natural turquoise based on its color, matrix patterns, cut, clarity and carat weight. Enhanced lime green turquoise falls outside this standard gem grading system. It is considered more of a manmade decorative material than a true natural gemstone.

Because it is not natural, lime green turquoise is priced primarily based on the material cost. Bright lime turquoise is one of the least expensive turquoise varieties. Other factors like craftsmanship may increase the price for jewelry containing lime turquoise but the turquoise itself has very little inherent value.

By contrast, rare natural turquoise with no enhancements can demand prices up to several thousand dollars per carat based on its quality. Sky blue and Persian blue turquoise are among the most valuable hues. Their prices increase the more greenish they appear.

So while neon lime is a trendy fashion choice, it comes at a fraction of the cost of natural greenish blue turquoise. Lime turquoise also lacks the prestige and collectibility of untreated gem quality turquoise.

How Lime Turquoise Jewelry is Made

Lime green turquoise requires stabilizing treatments so that it can be cut and polished into beads, cabochons, inlays, and other jewelry components. Here is an overview of how lime turquoise jewelry is made:

– Dyeing – The turquoise is submerged in chemical dye to achieve the desired lime color. Multiple treatments may be done to reach the ideal hue.

– Hardening – To strengthen and solidify the now brightly dyed turquoise, hardening agents like polyepoxides are infused into the material. This supports the altered molecular structure.

– Cutting – The hardened limes turquoise is cut into slabs, beads, or cabochons using diamond tipped precision saws and drills. Water is used to keep heat low.

– Polishing – Lime turquoise is very soft after treatment so a fine polishing wheel gently buffs the material to a smooth, glossy finish. Extra care is required to avoid chipping.

– Setting – Finally, the polished lime turquoise pieces are ready to be handset into precious metal findings by skilled jewelers.

Extra stabilization and sealing is required for lime turquoise jewelry compared to durable natural turquoise. The bright color will fade without occasional re-dyeing so lime turquoise is considered temporary and disposable.

How to Care for Lime Turquoise Jewelry

Lime green turquoise requires some extra care since it has been altered from its natural state. Here are some tips for keeping lime turquoise jewelry looking its best:

– Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure – Bright light will cause the lime dye to fade faster. Keep jewelry in a fabric bag when not wearing.

– Take Care Polishing – Gently wipe with a soft cloth to maintain shine. Avoid abrasive cleaners or mechanical polishing.

– Remove Before Water Exposure – Never wear in water. Always take off rings, bracelets and necklaces before washing hands, showering, etc.

– Store Properly – Keep in a fabric lined box away from other gemstones that could scratch the soft surface.

– Expect Some Color Loss – The lime color will gradually fade over time. Enjoy the bright tones when new and fresh.

– Be Cautious With Heat – Excessive heat from household cleaning, hair styling tools, etc. can damage stabilized turquoise.

With some basic care and gentleness, the vibrant lime color of treated turquoise can remain vivid during normal wearing. Just use common sense and avoid exposing it to anything too hot, rough or wet.

How Lime Turquoise is Used in Jewelry Designs

The vivid yellow-green tone of lime turquoise makes it a fun signature color for fashion jewelry. Here are some of the most popular ways it is incorporated into jewelry designs:

– Beaded Necklaces – Small stabilized lime turquoise beads are strung into chunky, bold statement necklaces. They showcase the bright color.

– Cocktail Rings – Cabochons and carved lime turquoise make striking statement rings. Gold, silver and distressed metals nicely complement the color.

– Wraparound Bracelets – Fabrics like leather or suede are dyed to match the lime turquoise in wide wraparound cuff bracelets for a 70s look.

– Cluster Earrings – Small chips of lime turquoise are creatively arranged into colorful clustered drop earrings and dangles.

– Stacking Rings – Thin lime turquoise rings are stacked and mixed with contrasting bright enamels for a fun, funky effect.

– Pendants – Freeform lime turquoise cabochons, coins and carved pendants add affordable pop on long necklaces of black cord or chain.

– Tassel Earrings – Long lime turquoise tile beads are used to create swinging tassels on bold earrings.

The vivid lime color allows turquoise to stand out and catch eyes. It adds affordable pop to any jewelry wardrobe when used creatively.

Matching Lime Turquoise Jewelry to Outfits

When worn thoughtfully, lime turquoise can enhance an outfit with a bold, energetic accent color. Here are some tips for coordinating jewelry featuring lime turquoise:

– Pair with black – The classic combination of black clothing and accessories lets the lime turquoise pop dramatically.

– Complement citrus colors – Lime green, lemon yellow, tangerine orange – all citrus hues are accentuated.

– Contrast denim – Wear lime turquoise with jeans and white for a fresh summer feel.

– Neutral basics – Gray, tan, cream and white are neutral backdrops that let the lime stand out.

– Bring light to dark tones – Lime turquoise brightens and complements deep hues like chocolate, plum and navy.

– Match with florals – Tropical floral prints in colors like fuchsia, lime, turquoise and citron coordinate perfectly.

– Pop against metallics – Gold and silver jewelry and accessories shine when lime turquoise is added.

The vibrant pop of lime turquoise demands attention, so beware of wearing it with another dominant color or busy print. Allow lime turquoise to be the star and keep other jewelry subtle.

The History and Significance of Lime Green

The use of vivid lime green turquoise is very modern, but the color lime green has a long history across cultures. Here’s an overview:

– Ancient Dyes – Lime green shades were developed from aromatic citrus fruits and mint leaves used in ancient dyes.

– Symbol of Spring – The bright hue represents renewal and life in numerous cultures, linked to the vivid new growth of spring.

– Rare Pigments – In medieval painting, lime green pigment was created through rare, complicated extraction methods.

– Colonial Fashion – 18th century Egyptian style and Empire line gowns were often painted with lime green dyes.

– Art Nouveau – Lime green motifs were used in Art Nouveau design in the 1920s, especially in glass and pottery glazes.

– Psychedelic 60s – The psychedelic and disco eras featured lime green heavily in fashion and visual arts.

– Tropical Inspiration – Vibrant lime evokes the colors of the tropics – citrus fruits, parrots, palms, etc.

– Color of Youth – Because of its high energy, lime green is widely used for children’s products, toys and clothing.

– Modern Safety Color – Lime green’s high visibility has made it popular for safety vests, signs, bikes and other applications.

So while lime turquoise itself has only emerged recently, the appeal of lime green has long symbolized vitality, youth and renewal across many eras and cultures.

How Lime Turquoise is Graded and Priced