One gemstone can bring centuries of history into your jewellery box. Turquoise, with its changing blue-green shades and rich symbolism, has fascinated people for thousands of years and is still just as popular today.
As more people around the world discover turquoise, some questions keep coming up: How do you know if a stone is real? What makes Hubei turquoise unique? And how can you keep it looking great?
The Hubei Legacy
Since many old American mines are now empty, the jewellery world is looking to Hubei Province in central China, a place with a long and rich history.
People have mined and used Hubei turquoise for over 2,000 years, going back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). It was valued in royal items, spiritual charms, and art. In Chinese tradition, it is seen as a protective stone linked to good luck, wisdom, and loyalty. Explore our Hubei Turquoise collection to see this remarkable stone for yourself.
Understanding the Market: Four Types of Turquoise
The phrase “real turquoise” involves more than most buyers realize, and by learning about the four primary types you can make your choice with confidence.
- Natural turquoise is completely untreated. It shows its true colour, natural patterns, and gentle changes that form in the earth.
- Stabilised turquoise is real turquoise that has been treated with clear resin to make it stronger. This is a common and accepted process, and any trustworthy seller will tell you if a stone has been stabilised.
- Dyed or reconstructed turquoise is made from natural turquoise powder mixed with resin or plastic, then dyed to look like better-quality stones.
- Imitation turquoise is made from dyed howlite, plastic, or glass, shaped and coloured to look like real turquoise.
A Note on “African Turquoise”
Even though many people call it African turquoise, it is not turquoise at all. It is actually a type of jasper — a mottled, opaque stone from Africa that has similar blue-green and earthy patterns. While it is beautiful, it contains no turquoise. Selling it as turquoise often causes confusion, so honest sellers will always call it African jasper.
What to Look for Before You Buy
While a careful look is not the same as a professional gemologist’s opinion, it can help you avoid common mistakes.
Colour and pattern. Real turquoise almost never has a flat, perfectly even colour. Look for changing shades, natural lines called matrix, and small bits from the host rock. Be careful with stones that look flawless and are very cheap.
Clear information. Buy from sellers who are open about what they are selling — whether it is natural or stabilised, the stone’s size, where it comes from, and the type of metal used. If details are missing or unclear, be cautious.
Honest photos. Real gemstone listings should have clear, close-up pictures of the actual piece, showing what makes it unique. Avoid sellers who use only stock photos or heavily edited images.
Price in context. If you see a large, untreated, high-quality turquoise for a very low price, be careful. Compare the price to the stone’s size, the quality of the setting, and the seller’s reputation.
Weight and temperature. Real stone feels cool to the touch and has some substance. A piece that warms quickly in the hand and feels unusually light is likely plastic or resin.
How to Care for Turquoise Jewellery
Turquoise is a soft and porous stone. Gentle, regular care will help keep its colour and surface looking good for years.
- Keep chemicals away. Apply perfume, lotion, hairspray, and makeup before you wear your jewellery, and keep it away from household cleaners.
- Clean gently. After wearing, wipe your jewellery with a clean, dry cloth. If it needs more cleaning, use lukewarm water and a little mild soap, but never soak the stone.
- Store separately. Keep turquoise in its own soft pouch so harder stones like diamonds, rubies, or sapphires do not scratch it.
- Remove before activity. Take off rings and pendants before swimming, working out, gardening, or doing any heavy work.
Turquoise and the zodiac
Turquoise has a particularly strong association with Sagittarius — the adventurous, free-spirited sign of the archer. If you’d like to explore how turquoise combines with genuine baroque pearls and amethyst in Sagittarius jewellery, the dedicated article goes into more detail. Turquoise also appears alongside other stones across the full zodiac series: Aries · Taurus · Gemini · Cancer · Leo · Virgo · Libra · Scorpio · Capricorn · Aquarius · Pisces
Chosen carefully and cared for well, turquoise jewellery stays vivid and meaningful for years — a small piece of history you can wear every day. Browse our Hubei Turquoise Necklace Collection and Hubei Turquoise Earrings to find your perfect piece.