What is white turquoise?
White turquoise is a gemstone that resembles turquoise in color and appearance. However, it is actually not a natural turquoise stone. Instead, white turquoise is typically composed of the mineral howlite that has been dyed blue to imitate the look of turquoise. Howlite is a soft and porous mineral that accepts dye very well, making it suitable for creating faux turquoise stones.
Some key facts about white turquoise:
- Made from dyed howlite, not natural turquoise
- Howlite accepts blue dye readily to mimic turquoise
- Often has matrix veining like turquoise
- More affordable alternative to real turquoise
- Softer and more porous than natural turquoise
- May fade over time with exposure to sunlight
So in summary, white turquoise gets its name from resembling real turquoise, but it does not actually contain any true natural turquoise. It is manufactured to provide a less expensive alternative to real turquoise.
How is white turquoise made?
White turquoise begins as uncolored howlite. Howlite is a hydrated calcium borosilicate mineral that forms in masses of interlocking crystals. It has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, making it much softer than real turquoise which ranks 5-6.
The howlite used for white turquoise is mined primarily in Mexico, California, and British Columbia. It has a porous chalky texture that readily accepts dye. To turn it into white turquoise, the howlite goes through a multi-step dyeing process:
- The raw howlite is cleaned and cut into blocks or slabs.
- It is soaked in or sprayed with a blue dye solution. The dye penetrates deep into the porous howlite.
- The dyed stone is coated with a clear polymers to seal in the color and add shine.
- Finally, it is cut and polished into finished cabochons or other jewelry forms.
Some additional techniques can enhance the turquoise look:
- Matrix veining is sometimes added by hand to mimic turquoise’s spiderweb matrix.
- After dyeing, pieces may be treated with nitric acid to create light and dark veins resembling turquoise’s natural variations.
- Pigments like copper or iron can provide blue-green color to better imitate turquoise.
By the end of the process, the humble howlite is transformed into a vibrantly colored stone with all the look and allure of natural turquoise, at a fraction of the price.
What’s the difference between white turquoise and real turquoise?
While white turquoise seeks to emulate the appearance of natural turquoise, there are some key differences between the real and fake stones:
| Feature | White Turquoise | Natural Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Dyed howlite | Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate |
| Hardness | 3.5 Mohs | 5-6 Mohs |
| Color | Dyed blue | Natural blue-green |
| Veining | Artificially added | Natural matrix |
| Value | Affordable | Expensive |
| Durability | Moderate | Good |
The main giveaway is the composition – white turquoise is simply dyed howlite, not real turquoise mineral. Natural turquoise also has inherent green tones in its blue color, whereas white turquoise tends to be a pure blue.
Under magnification, you can identify white turquoise from its softer look, artificial matrix, and lack of natural variations in color. Being softer, it is also prone to scratching and wear over time. Nonetheless, it can still make very attractive jewelry when properly cared for.
Is white turquoise real?
White turquoise is not technically a real stone, since it is manufactured from howlite and dye rather than arising naturally. However, it is still a real material that is used in many types of authentic jewelry.
Referring to white turquoise as “fake” may be misleading, since high quality white turquoise contains no plastic compounds or unnatural ingredients. It undergoes extensive processing to achieve its look, but the howlite itself is a genuine natural mineral.
Many reputable jewelers carry white turquoise pieces made through legitimate industry techniques. Much of the turquoise used in Native American crafts and imports is actually stabilized white turquoise.
So while not exactly “natural,” white turquoise should still be considered a real gem material that offers an affordable alternative to pricier natural turquoise. It may not possess the rarity or value of the natural stone, but has merits of its own when properly represented.
How can you tell if white turquoise is real?
It’s important to understand that ALL white turquoise is technically fake, because by definition it is treated howlite trying to imitate turquoise. However, some pieces are better quality than others. Here are some tips to spot high-grade white turquoise:
- Color is evenly saturated through the stone, not just surface-dyed
- No plastic-looking appearance or bubbles under magnification
- Smooth polish and hardness similar to medium grade natural turquoise
- Matrix veining looks natural, not painted on
- Reputable seller that discloses it is enhanced howlite
- No drastic fading or discoloration over time
Low quality “chalk” turquoise will lack vibrancy, show clear signs of dyeing, and have an uneven cheap texture. High end white turquoise can rival some natural turquoise and needs an expert eye to spot the difference. Any piece that seems too perfect or bright white may be a giveaway. If in doubt, ask the seller directly for full disclosure.
Pros and cons of white turquoise
Here are some key advantages and disadvantages to consider with white turquoise jewelry:
Pros:
- Much more affordable than natural turquoise
- Wide availability compared to natural turquoise
- Attractive blue color
- Can be carved into intricate jewelry designs
- Accepts polishing and dying well
Cons:
- Less value compared to natural turquoise
- Softer stone prone to scratching
- Color may fade over decades in sunlight
- Unnatural appearance under close inspection
- Misrepresentation concerns if seller claims it’s real turquoise
For many consumers, the low cost and abundant supply of white turquoise outweighs concerns over authenticity. As long as the seller is upfront about how the stone is enhanced, white turquoise offers a versatile substitute for the real thing.
How to care for white turquoise jewelry
While less durable than natural turquoise, white turquoise jewelry still deserves proper care to maintain its beauty:
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, which can cause fading
- Take care to avoid impacts, drops or abrasions that may chip the stones
- Clean with mild soap and water only. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
- When not worn, store pieces in soft fabric bags to prevent scratching
- Consider applying beeswax or jewelry polish to enhance protection
- Have repairs done promptly by a jeweler to prevent damage
With reasonable care, white turquoise jewelry can remain vibrant and wearable for many years. Taking steps to prevent fading and physical wear will help white turquoise retain its beauty as a turquoise alternative.
Is white turquoise valuable?
White turquoise is much less valuable than natural turquoise. Howlite costs just pennies per carat before dyeing and treatment. The turquoise appearance comes mainly from the skilled handwork of jewelry makers.
However, white turquoise is still used in artisan jewelry sold at retail for $20-$100 depending on the piece. Simple beads may cost $10 while intricate pendants fetch $50 or upwards. Wholesale prices are 50-80% lower for bulk orders.
Factors impacting white turquoise’s value:
- Quality of dyeing and veining
- Skill of jewelry craftsmanship
- Reputation of artist/brand
- Size of stones
- Metal value of setting (e.g. silver vs gold)
So while it lacks collectability, white turquoise can still carry decent retail value. Its affordability helps make turquoise styles accessible to more consumers.
Conclusion
White turquoise occupies a unique niche in the gemstone world. It provides an artificial imitation of coveted blue turquoise, allowing the striking color to be available at a fraction of natural turquoise’s price. While lacking the prestige of genuine turquoise, it offers an affordable option for jewelry with a similar appearance.
Provided the seller discloses that white turquoise is treated howlite, not natural turquoise, it can be a perfectly ethical and attractive alternative. Consumers should be aware of the differences compared to real turquoise and take care to maintain white turquoise jewelry. With proper handling and care, high quality white turquoise makes a fine addition to anyone’s wardrobe of accessories at very reasonable cost.