I'm obsessed with Turquoise. It's one of the first stones that got me into lapidary! But did you know this beautiful stone is one of the most commonly faked gems? Between dyed howlite, resin imitations, and reconstructed scraps, it can feel impossible to know what’s real. Here’s how I help others spot the difference:
🌿 1. Natural matrix is your friend.
Real turquoise is formed inside host rock, so it often has a natural matrix — the web-like or patchy veins of brown, black, or gray that run through the stone. If the matrix looks too perfect, too regular, or painted on, that’s a red flag.
💙 2. Color can be a clue, but not the whole story.
Many people think “real” turquoise is always bright blue, but genuine stones can range from pale sky blue to greenish shades. The ones I adore often have a many shades of blue and green. Uniform, vivid color can mean the stone was dyed. Look for subtle shifts and areas of natural variation.
🔍 3. Weight and feel matter.
Genuine turquoise is a relatively dense stone. Hold it in your palm — does it feel cold at first, or suspiciously light and plastic-like? If it’s too light, it might be resin or plastic imitation.
❌ 4. Know the common fakes.
Howlite and magnesite are two white stones that take dye very well and are often sold as “turquoise.” They’re pretty in their own right but shouldn’t be passed off as the real thing. Real Turquoise can shined beautifully, so if you notice it looks a little dull or has pooled dye, those are red flags.
🪨 5. Buy from people you trust.
One of the best ways to make sure you’re getting genuine turquoise is to buy from sellers who know where their stones come from or mined it themselves. Ask about the mine, the origin, and whether it’s stabilized or natural.
At Metallic Bloom, I love turquoise because of its unique character — those wild veins and soft imperfections remind us that real beauty is never flawless. Next time you spot a stone you love, trust your eyes, trust your hands, and trust your gut.
You can love a stone regardless of what it is, but you shouldn't be lied to about it's true identity.
Comment your thoughts below!