Gold Price Zar
Rediscovering Turquoise
The beauty and history of turquoise is very hard to beat! Filtering with the history and mystery is really a fascinating stone. Turquoise history dates back over 6000 years. Archeological and literary references to the stone predate the Christian era by five millennia.
It has been found in tombs of ancient Egypt – specifically the 4 bracelets of Queen Zar, found on the mummified arm. These date back to the second ruler of Egypt's first dynasty, about A. 5500 C. Aristotle and Pliny both refer to turquoise. Marco Polo came to write about it. Turquoise has always been considered a stone of life.
Also has a long history of more than 1000 years with the Indians who have used it extensively for protection and healing. The stone was also used in religion, art, trade, treaty negotiations, and jewelry. turquoise used as a healing stone is much more – has been used for headaches, eye problems, fever and insect bites to name a few. It is sprayed and then took to cure stomach ailments. Turquoise also has significant metaphysical.
It is a harmonizing stone that is said to alleviate nervousness, help with problem solving, relieve the stress of a hectic life, and promote friendship. It is also well known for its protective qualities and many cultures carry a turquoise stone with them at all times.
Turquoise is often strung on beads, carved into animal fetishes, or in combination with other stones such as onyx, amethyst, or coral. Its color ranges from brilliant sky blue to green and has usually black or brown veins running through it. The jewelry is very popular set in sterling silver. Silver enhances the natural colors of the turquoise much better than gold.
Turquoise is found in North America in the arid zones of Arizona and New Mexico. Also in China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt and Persia.
Wax answered: Much of the turquoise from China is wax impregnated. The paraffin treatment deepens and stabilizes the color but only affects can be quite porous surface.Turquoise and chalky and is often not suitable for jewelry until it is treated. There are several processes used in turquoise.
Stabilization is a treatment that uses a resin substance. The process uses pressure and heat to fill the microscopic holes in the stone with plastic resin. Once cured the product is treated as a rock enough to cut and polish. Stabilization allows genuine turquoise, but the lower grade is used in jewelry. Stabilization helps to keep the stone from chipping and prevents changes in color by contact with skin oils.
Wax treatment is very common with turquoise from China. Paraffin wax is impregnated into the turquoise color depth and stabilizes the color but only affects the surface.
Some jewelry can be made with reconstituted turquoise which is ground turquoise stones that is molded with lower epoxy resin, dyed and pressed into stone like forms – they look great but do not have the value of real stone.
Another process known as "block" where a mixture of plastic resin and dyes are produced in blocks the size of a loaf of bread. No real turquoise in this mix, is completely insane and should be labeled sham. It is manufactured in many colors, and is used extensively for inlay work.
So when in the market for turquoise jewelry be aware of what is buying. Simulated turquoise and a piece of natural turquoise jewelry is fantastic. What ever your needs are to be sure that the product has a price purchase according to their composition. Enjoy this truly captivating stone!
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