What Determines Turquoise Value?

What Determines Turquoise Value?
Turquoise, with its mesmerizing blue and green hues, has been treasured for centuries and is celebrated as a symbol of beauty, culture, and spirituality. As one of the oldest gemstones in history, turquoise holds a special place in the hearts of gem enthusiasts and collectors alike. The value of turquoise is influenced by various factors, each contributing to its allure and uniqueness. In this article, we explore the key determinants of turquoise value, focusing on hardness, rarity, aesthetics, naturality, and its place of origin.
Hardness:
The hardness of turquoise is a crucial factor that significantly impacts its value. Only a small percentage, approximately 4-5%, of the total turquoise mined across the globe possesses natural hardness suitable for use in jewelry. To be considered valuable, turquoise must be durable enough to withstand daily wear and retain its brilliance over time.

However, the majority of turquoise, around 90%, is found in a soft and chalky state when mined. To enhance its hardness and durability, this type of turquoise is often stabilized through various treatments. While stabilized turquoise can still be valuable, the most sought-after and prized gemstones are those that are naturally hard, like Persian (Neyshaburi) turquoise.

Gemstones with natural hardness are referred to as untreated or natural turquoise, signifying their authenticity and intrinsic value. Within this category of top-tier turquoise, further distinctions are made. The gem-grade and high-grade subcategories are reserved for the absolute hardest and best natural gemstones, adding to their desirability and worth.

Rarity:
The rarity of turquoise is another key factor that directly influences its value. The scarcity of a particular turquoise variety or color, along with the mines from which the stones are extracted, contributes to its rarity. Neyshabur, the esteemed city of origin for Persian turquoise, hosts the mines yielding the highest quality turquoise in the world. As a result, Persian turquoise is renowned for its rarity and exclusivity, making it one of the most sought-after and valuable gemstones in the market.
Aesthetics:
The visual appeal of turquoise plays a pivotal role in determining its value. Beyond the captivating blue and green hues, other factors, such as the presence of host rock or matrix and the depth of turquoise's color, enhance its allure. Spider webbing or tight webbing, intricate patterns within the matrix, and the level of uniformity and intensity in color all contribute to the aesthetic beauty of turquoise.
However, In the case of Persian turquoise, stones that are pure in color and have no host rock or matrix are highly prized and considered of Ajami grade, adding exceptional value and desirability to these rare gemstones.
Conclusion:
Turquoise, with its diverse shades and cultural significance, continues to be cherished across the globe. The value of turquoise is determined by a combination of factors, including hardness, rarity, aesthetics, naturality, and its place of origin. Persian turquoise, also known as Firouzeh, excels in all these aspects, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world.

Collectors and enthusiasts alike are captivated by the allure of Persian turquoise, recognizing its unparalleled beauty and unique cultural heritage. As a gemstone that has stood the test of time, Persian turquoise holds a cherished place in the realm of precious gemstones, symbolizing a timeless legacy of elegance and significance.

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