Genuine Turquoise vs. Dyed Howlite: Know the Difference
When it comes to choosing jewelry, especially pieces featuring turquoise, understanding the difference between genuine turquoise and its imitation counterparts is essential.
With its vibrant blue and green hues and captivating patterns, turquoise has long been cherished in jewelry making. However, the market is flooded with cheaper fakes that can easily mislead the unwary buyer.
So, let’s dive into the characteristics of genuine turquoise and how to spot imitations like dyed howlite.
What is Genuine Turquoise?
Genuine turquoise is a natural gemstone found in only a few places on earth, formed over thousands of years through the alteration of copper and aluminum-rich minerals.
One of our statement rings featuring three unique Carico Lake turquoise from Nevada.
Its distinct color ranges from sky blue to greenish-blue, often with intricate veining or matrix patterns. Each piece of genuine turquoise is unique, reflecting its origin and the conditions in which it was formed.
This ring has a lovely blue-green Kingman turquoise heart from Arizona.
Another feature of turquoise is its tendency to form with other mineral inclusions, such as sparkly gold pyrite, clear quartz, or various colors of mother stone.
The blue Kingman turquoise in this pendant is accented with sparkly flecks of golden pyrite.
Many different turquoise mines have shut down in recent years, limiting the supply and increasing the value and appeal of these stones.
A striking piece of White Water turquoise with its signature white matrix.
Characteristics of Genuine Turquoise:
Color: Ranges from blue to greenish shades; often featuring unique matrix patterns.
Texture: Typically has a waxy or slightly rough texture, depending on its finish.
Weight: Genuine turquoise is heavier than most imitations due to its mineral content.
Price: Authentic turquoise is usually more expensive, reflecting its rarity and the labor involved in sourcing and crafting it.
What About Dyed Howlite?
Dyed howlite, on the other hand, is a common mineral that's used as a cheap substitute for turquoise. Howlite is a white or light grey mineral that can be dyed to mimic the color of turquoise. While it may look appealing, it lacks the natural complexity, beauty, and authenticity of real turquoise.
Characteristics of Dyed Howlite:
Color: Often an overly uniform bright blue or green, sometimes with an unnatural sheen. Often lacks the detailed matrix of some types of genuine turquoise.
Texture: Generally smoother and feels more "manufactured" than genuine turquoise.
Weight: Lighter than authentic turquoise; this can be a quick giveaway.
Price: Much cheaper, making it an option for budget-conscious consumers.
How to Spot the Difference
Check the Color: Genuine turquoise has natural variations in color and texture. If the color appears too uniform, it’s likely dyed howlite.
Feel the Weight: Pick up the piece. Genuine turquoise is denser and heavier than howlite.
Examine the Surface: Look for matrix patterns. Genuine turquoise will have unique veins, while dyed howlite often has a more consistent appearance.
Price Point: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic turquoise can be costly, so be wary of low-priced items.
Why Choose Genuine Turquoise?
Investing in genuine turquoise jewelry means you’re not just purchasing a beautiful accessory; you’re also acquiring a piece of history and nature. Each genuine turquoise stone carries with it the story of its formation and the earth’s elements. Plus, authentic turquoise, being highly collectible, has lasting value that imitations cannot replicate.
Even a minimalist piece of turquoise jewelry adds a striking touch to any outfit.
Understanding the differences between genuine turquoise and dyed howlite is crucial for making informed jewelry purchases. At By Kelly And Kate, we pride ourselves on offering only authentic gemstones, ensuring that every piece of jewelry is as genuine as the feelings it inspires. When you choose real turquoise, you’re choosing quality, history, and a unique piece of art that will last for generations.
Explore our artisan-made jewelry today and find your perfect piece of genuine turquoise! New pieces are added every week and custom work is accepted.
Cheers,
Kelly & Kate
All pieces of jewelry featured above are By Kelly And Kate designs. If you see something that fits your style, please click here to see what's available and contact us if you'd like something created just for you!
