Gemstones beginning with T

Click the gemstone name or picture to visit our online store

• This index includes a wide variety of information about all of the gemstones from which our wholesale beads are made, including some that are not currently stocked but might be reordered in the future.
• Stones are listed in alphabetical order, grouped by family; for instance, Botswana Agate is listed under Agate, and Red Snowflake Obsidian under Obsidian.
• The "also known as" (aka) listings are often misnomers; we're just letting you know of other names we've seen (right or wrong!).
• To the best of our knowledge, all of our gemstones are natural and untreated, unless otherwise noted.
• We use the term "dyed" to describe stones to which color has been added through some process or another. The stone coloring process does not necessarily involve a colorant like those used for cloth.

	Tanzanite (-140) aka Blue Zoisite The unique, blue-lavender color of tanzanite has been called "a wonderful addition to the gemstone palette." This calcium aluminum silicate develops in fissures of igneous rocks. It is actually a blue form of zoisite that was renamed tanzanite by the renowned jewelry store Tiffany & Co. The name tanzanite comes from where the stone was first found: Tanzania (neighboring Kenya now produces some as well). The gemstone closely resembles, and is often confused with, sapphire and iolite. However, it is less lustrous and hard than sapphire, and has a lower density and refractivity than iolite. Almost all tanzanites on the market have been heat-treated to 500°C (932°F) to produce a deeper color. This is an essential process because the rough form comes in a brown-yellow color. The stone has a very pronounced pleochroism (different colors at different angles) and can be seen as dark blue, green-yellow and red-purple. Blue tanzanite is more desirable than purple. Lesser stones may have a brownish color due to the mixing of blue, purple and green. Our tanzanite beads are cut in India, so irregularities in shape, size or other qualities should be expected. Tanzanite is not particularly durable, so it should be protected from knocks or blows. It should not be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine or steamer, because the high temperatures could cause damage to the stone. Likewise, tanzanite is very sensitive to extreme and sudden changes in temperature; do not submerge it in hot water after exposing it to cold air, and vice versa, or the stone could crack. Tanzanite is one of the more recently discovered gemstones. In July 1967, a tailor named Manuel d'Souza was prospecting for rubies in Africa when a group of Masai tribesmen led him to a deposit of blue stones. The Masai held to a legend that cattle herders of their tribe had first noticed this stone some 30 years previously, after a fire caused by lightning burned areas in Tanzania. The herders noticed that brown (zoisite) crystals had turned a deep blue-purple due to the heat from the fire. Although he initially believed these stones to be sapphires, d'Souza soon realized the material was too soft. Subsequent lab tests revealed that the stone was a previously unknown form of zoisite. He registered four claims, but another prospector was hot on his heels. The area soon became covered in mines, and d'Souza was unable to maintain close control over his claims; he estimated that as much as 80% of his gems were taken. In 1971, the Tanzanian government took control of the mines and in 1976 turned them over to the State Mining Corporation, whose methods caused production to drop. By the late '70s, Tiffany's, which had named and promoted the stone, stopped purchasing tanzanite because of its now-undependable supply. The Tanzanian government lost control of the area by the end of the 1980s, at which time thousands of illegal miners flooded the area; by 1991, the government regained control. Ever since, Tanzania has been issuing licenses to private domestic parties, which has somewhat helped increase the supply. Tanzanite sometimes is called "the workaholic's stone," because it is believed to help the wearer slow down and take it easy. The gemstone is said to awaken the mind and heart, placing the mind's genius under the command of the heart's wisdom. Meditation leaders believe it activates the throat chakra for clear communication of one's highest truth. It also can be used to enhance psychic abilities, composure, poise and harmony. Physically, it is considered beneficial for stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure in particular.
	Tektite aka Indochinite, Libyan Desert Glass  You might mistake these small, black blobs for bits of asphalt, but they are actually glassy stones formed by a meteor crash. Still poorly understood, tektites have no crystal structure, and are therefore similar to obsidian, but are not associated with volcanic processes. Their chemistry is unique and somewhat unexplained. Usually opaque, tektites are essentially silica glass containing minuscule particles of meteoritic material. Their name comes from the Greek word tektos, meaning "molten." This is in reference to how the stone is formed. The leading theory is that they are fused glass, formed during an impact of a meteor with layers of rock on the Earth's surface. The tremendous heat and pressure produced is believed to have melted pieces of rock as they flew up into the atmosphere; as the material cooled on the return to Earth, strange and wonderful shapes formed and solidified. These shapes include teardrops, dumbbells, buttons, spheres and ellipses. Tektites are found strewn in specific localities in different parts of the world. These fields produce characteristically similar tektites and are sometimes loosely associated with meteorite craters or suspected craters. Therefore, many scientists believe these fields represent splash material from an impact. The largest band of tektites covers most of Australia. Tektites vary in color from pale golden-yellow to black, depending on the chemicals and minerals present in the terrestrial material that was knocked away by the meteor. Tektites found in the Czech Republic, known as moldavites, are especially prized for their clarity and unique green color. In prehistoric times, tektites were apparently considered to be religious objects by some people, magical by others and omens of evil by still others. Tools made of tektite have been found that date back to 6000-4000 B.C., and after the Iron Age (500 B.C.), tektites were worn as good luck charms. It's said that some Australian aborigines venerated tektites as "sky charms." The first written reference to tektites appeared around 950 A.D., when China's Liu Sun named them lei-gong-mo, meaning "Inkstone of the Thundergod." Some people of the 1700s believed they were the product of a prehistoric glass factory. The first reference in scientific literature appeared in 1788, when Joseph Mayer began insisting that tektites were of extraterrestrial origin. He believed them to be glass meteorites, and because his work was highly read, people began referring to tektites as such; as a result, many universities and museums displayed tektites with meteorites for years. But in 1844, Charles Darwin described the tektites he observed in Australia as "obsidian," an Earthly stone. In 1917, meteor expert F. Berwerth discovered that tektites were similar chemically to certain sedimentary rocks, the first hint that they came from Earth itself. But it was the return of lunar materials from the Apollo missions in the late 1960s that provided evidence that tektites are compositionally unrelated to lunar material, convincing the majority of scientists that tektites are terrestrial in origin. Metaphysically, tektites are used for wisdom, knowledge, and to help withstand mental or emotional "stumbling." They are also believed to diminish or overcome challenges with mental processes. They are thought capable of allowing extraterrestrial communication, astral travel and lucid dreaming. Mystics say tektites strengthen one's energy field.
	Tigereye aka African Cat's-Eye, Cat's-Eye, Crocidolite, Tigerseye, Tiger's-Eye Tigereye is a quartz with rich yellow and brown stripes, and a fine golden luster. When viewed from the opposite direction, the colors are reversed. This gemstone consistently has been one of our best sellers. It contains oriented fibers of crocidolite (a mineral of the amphibole group) that have been replaced by silica. The fibers are twisted or crumpled instead of straight, reminiscent of sand and sunlight. Tigereye is also vitreous (hard, unbendable and glasslike). With its strong chatoyance, the gemstone gets its name from its resemblance to the eye of a tiger. Other "eye" quartzes exist as well, and their names depend only on their background colors and reflections: Green-gray stones are called cat's-eye; blue-grey to bluish varieties are called hawk's-eye; and deep brown stones are called bull's-eye or ox-eye. As with all gems, protect tigereye from scratches and sharp blows. Also avoid large temperature changes. Because of its chatoyance, tigereye should not be cleaned with alcohol or abrasives; however, it is helpful to treat the stone with oils like Goo GoneŽ. Roman soldiers reportedly wore tigereye for protection in battle, and the stone was thought to be all-seeing, due to its ocular appearance. However, tigereye didn't make its gemstone debut until sometime in the late 19th century. It was much more valuable back then than today, fetching several dollars per carat. The stone has previously been called "griqualandite," a throwback to the origin of the best tigereye examples, which came from Griqualand West, in Africa. Traditionally, tigereye has been used as a gift between lovers to ease sexual tension and help partners tune in to each other in a psychic or telepathic way. It also is believed to pull one into a more positive and flexible attitude, and is said to be especially effective for stubborn people. Conversely, many wear the stone to strengthen convictions, and to acquire courage and confidence. It also is reputed to relieve such physical conditions as high blood pressure, bronchial asthma, heart disease and psoriasis. Tigereye is found mainly in South Africa, but also in Australia, Myanmar, Namibia and California (U.S.A.). Also see pietersite.
		Blue Tigereye (-085) This tigereye is heat treated to a dark, midnight blue.
		Multicolor Tigereye (-089) These strands contains an assortment of beads of red, blue and natural brown/gold tigereye.
		Red Tigereye (-104) This stone gets its color from heating, which oxidizes the iron and turns it red.
		Tigereye (-031) This is natural, unenhanced tigereye with shades of brown and gold.
	Tiger Iron (-103) This ironstone rock is a natural mixture of hematite, jasper and tigereye. Tiger iron is a great example of a metamorphosed gemstone. More than two billion years ago, deposits of these three materials were slowly mashed together as tectonic plates shifted. The tremendous pressures on the original crystals resulted in the intricate, banded designs of tiger iron. Each stone can be seen distinctly in layers of gold, silver, brown and red, drawing unique vertical and horizontal patterns. While the stone is many millennia old, it only recently has become known on the market. This unusual trinity stone is believed to carry the energies of its three parents. It is said to stimulate vitality, strengthen force of will and courage, and breathe a new spiritual life into creative efforts. Mystics say it helps with multi-tasking, and that wearing tiger iron or keeping it near your desk will help you stay focused on your goal as you plow through work. Physically, it is purported to improve the condition of the blood and eliminate toxins from the large intestine. Tiger iron is found largely in Australia, but also in England, Mexico, Brazil and the Lake Superior region of the United States.
	Topaz Topaz (aluminum fluorite silicate) is the hardest of the silicate minerals, due to strong chemical bonds within the stone. It is thought to form from fluorine-bearing gases released during later stages of solidification in acidic igneous rocks, and typically is found within rhyolites and granite cavities. Yellow is the most familiar color, red the most rare. The stone is also found in brown, clear and blue, though nearly all blue topaz on the market today is enhanced, ours included. Radiation applied to colorless topaz creates a consistently beautiful blue hue, making this color of topaz more accessible for all. Topaz has perfect cleavage, making it susceptible to splitting if struck upon a hard surface. Consequently, topaz beads should be protected from knocks. Also avoid large temperature changes (such as leaving it beside a heater vent or in a hot car). Do not clean topaz in a home ultrasonic cleaner; the best cleanser is warm soapy water. Topaz gemstones occur in a large variety of sizes, from tiny crystals to large rocks. The biggest uncut stone was found in Brazil and weighs almost 600 pounds. This specimen is on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Topaz is the state gemstone of Texas and Utah, and the birthstone for November. Some say it derives its name from the Sanskrit word tapas, meaning "fire." Another theory, first put forth by Pliny the Elder in the first century A.D., is that the name topaz was derived from the Greek word topazos, or topazion, meaning "to seek." Most likely, though, topaz derived its name from the Island of Topazos in the Red Sea, which is thought to have been an ancient source for the gem peridot — but not topaz. The name "topaz" was once used to refer to any yellow stone, and until the 18th century, was indeed used for what's now known as peridot. The ancient Greeks believed topaz had the power to increase strength and make its wearer invisible in times of emergency. It was also said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink. Ancient lore holds that it could be used to control heat, and could cool boiling water and excessive anger. For this reason, topaz was used as a medication to cure fever. The yellow variety of topaz was officially discovered in the Middle Ages, during a quest for a supreme golden stone. During this period, topaz was used mostly by royalty and clergy. A falcon figurine carved atop a topaz stone was thought to foster the goodwill of kings, princes and magnates, and the topaz was also considered a holy stone signifying St. Matthew. Pilgrims flocked to Rome just to touch the topaz owned by Popes Gregory II and Clement VI, which was said to cure all ailments and bring health. It wasn't until Marco Polo's time, around the 13th century, that this gemstone began to be widely used for jewelry. In the 17th century, the Braganza "diamond" (1,640 carats) in the Portuguese crown was thought to be the largest diamond ever found. It has since been determined a colorless topaz. In Oscar Wilde's Salome, Herod offers Salome great riches as persuasion to retract her request for the head of John the Baptist. Among the treasures he describes are "topazes as yellow as the eyes of tigers, topazes as pink as the eyes of wood pigeons." For Hindus, topazes worn above the heart are considered to prevent thirst and assure long life, beauty and intelligence. Mystics today believe topaz will stimulate the endocrine system, balance emotions and improve eyesight. It also is valued in the treatment of hemorrhages, poor appetite and blood disorders, and is referred to as the spiritual rejuvenation gemstone. Topaz is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Germany, Russia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Japan, China and the U.S.A.
		Blue Topaz (-059) aka Nerchinsk Aquamarine Most blue topaz is created by irradiating (applying radiation to) colorless natural topaz to achieve a pale- to medium-blue color. This process has caused the sale of natural blue topaz, found in various parts of the world, to fall by the wayside as the treated form has reached widespread abundance.
		Crystal Blue Topaz (-450) This gemstone is actually rock crystal, a type of quartz, that has been dyed to a beautiful blue hue.
	Tourmaline (-035) Tourmaline is a complex crystalline silicate containing aluminum, boron and other elements. Its name is derived from the Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) word tura mali, meaning "stone of mixed colors." Indeed, tourmaline appears in blue, yellow, pink, red, black, green and clear. Our tourmaline beads generally contain pink, green, red and clear coloring, sometimes all on the same stone and sometimes one color per stone. Tourmalated quartz contains black tourmaline inclusions and green tourmalated quartz contains green inclusions. Each color of tourmaline is given its own name in the gem world, making tourmaline more a group of minerals than a single type. These include rubellite (pink to red), indicolite (blue), schorl (black), dravite (brown) and achroite (colorless). Tourmaline boasts a number of rather amazing physical characteristics. For one, it is piezoelectric; this means heating, rubbing or pressurizing the crystal gives it an electric charge, attracting small objects such as hair or small pieces of paper. Because of this property, tourmaline has been employed in depth-sounding devices and other tools that detect and measure variations in pressure. It also is pleochroic, looking darker from some angles than from others. As with all gems, protect tourmaline from scratches and sharp blows, and avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not clean tourmaline in a home ultrasonic cleaner. Tourmaline has been used as a gem for more than 2,000 years. An ancient Egyptian legend attempts to explain the beautiful array of colors in this gemstone: on the long journey from the middle of the earth up toward the sun, the tourmaline traveled along a rainbow. On the way, it collected all the colors of the rainbow, which is why it came to be known as "the rainbow gemstone." In medieval times, tourmaline was thought to heal physical and mental disorders, and prevent death. Today, tourmaline is said to dispel fear, negativity and grief. Many say tourmaline induces a tranquil sleep, and according to legend, it protects the wearer against many dangers and misfortunes. It also is believed to calm nerves, regulate hormones and fight genetic disorders. It is Maine's official state gemstone. Tourmaline is mined around the world but has important occurrences in Brazil, Sri Lanka and southern Africa. Other sources include Pakistan, Afghanistan, the U.S.A. (Maine and Utah), Mexico and Myanmar.
		Black Tourmaline (-183) aka Schorl  This stone is made up of a complex silicate of boron and aluminum. Some black tourmaline contains gold-colored inclusions caused by a variance in its makeup. At first glance, this stone looks very much like black onyx. While black onyx is solidly opaque, close examination of black tourmaline shows a slight translucency and occasional inclusions. It is said that black tourmaline dispels negative energy, bringing good luck to the bearer. If you rub the stone, it will become magnetically charged and this is believed to intensify your good luck. Black tourmaline can be found all around the world.
		Tourmaline, Mixed (-035) The tourmaline we provide is usually a beautiful multi-colored combination of pink, green, brown, tan and gray. Most of our mixed tourmaline beads are cut in India, which means they have a more organic, less polished appearance, but we sometimes carry stones that have been cut in China and are more uniform in shape, size and hole placement.
		Watermelon Tourmaline Named after its resemblance to the popular melon, this stone has a pink center with a thin clear outer layer and a green outermost layer, or rind. The hues of this unique stone vary from a deep pink to a hot pink and from a peridot green to blue-green. Legend has it that watermelon tourmaline attracts love as well as reduces nervousness and anxiety. Some believe the green crystals feed your life force while the pink crystals are soothing and harmonious. This stone is found in parts of Africa, South America and the U.S.A.
	Turquoise aka Calaite Probably one of the most recognized semiprecious gemstones in existence, turquoise has been popular since prehistoric times. This stone is a hydrated aluminum copper phosphate that often contains iron. Its name comes from French pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," a reference to where Persian material passed on its way to Europe. It is considerably softer than quartz and thus is usually treated in some way for stability. It occurs naturally in shades ranging from sky blue to grey-green, usually in locations where copper is hidden in the soil in high concentrations. The blue color is caused by copper, while the green color is caused by iron or chromium. Because color varies depending on the surrounding soil makeup, many turquoise references include the name of the country, state or mine where they were found. References like this may include Arizona turquoise, because many mines in Arizona, Nevada and Northern Mexico have the proper mineral conditions to produce a light, bright-blue turquoise, with small-to-medium amounts of matrix. The famed Sleeping Beauty Mine is in Globe, Arizona. Most turquoise on the market today is stabilized. We try to keep good quality stabilized turquoise in stock. Sometimes we will have higher grade, for a higher price, or a lower grade for a lower price. Many qualities and types of turquoise are available on the market today: High-grade natural turquoise: Also known as "gem quality" turquoise. This is the hardest grade and takes the best polish. Many mines produce stones with distinctive color or matrix whose origin can be identified by an experienced person. Foutz enhanced turquoise: This is the common name for medium-grade turquoise treated by a proprietary process that impregnates and hardens the stone with vaporized quartz. The process will not work on low-grade "chalk" turquoise and is undetectable by normal testing methods. (For details on "Foutz" or "Zachary" enhanced turquoise, please see the Spring 1999 issue of Gems & Gemology.) Stabilized (treated) turquoise: This variety is treated with a plastic resin, which allows genuine but lower-grade turquoise to be used in jewelry. Most nugget and some rolled bead (heishi) products are made from real turquoise that has been stabilized. Even when a stone has been stabilized, its color can be changed over time by pollution, soap, skin lotion or oil. Wax-treated turquoise: In the past, most of the turquoise from China was wax impregnated, a process that works like stabilization. Paraffin treatment only affects the surface. However, most Chinese turquoise is now stabilized with resin, since the Chinese turquoise producers have learned the process from American producers in recent years. Reconstituted turquoise: Most "recon" turquoise is entirely manmade, although sellers of imitation plastic block material often describe their product as "reconstituted" (turquoise powder mixed with small pieces of stone, blue dye and plastic binder). Most products marketed under this name should really be labeled as imitation turquoise block. The use of powdered turquoise is uncommon today. Block turquoise: A mixture of plastic resin and dyes that is produced in loaf-sized blocks. This turquoise contains no actual rock of any sort. Swirls of black dye are added to simulate matrix. Block is used heavily for inlay, heishi and beads. It is sometimes mistakenly called "reconstituted." Compressed nugget: A mixture of small and large pieces of real turquoise bound together with resin and dyes. Viewing a cross-section of compressed nugget shows the edges of the individual chunks of stone. Chalk turquoise: True chalk turquoise is soft, light colored turquoise that must be stabilized for use in jewelry. However, in recent years, chalk turquoise has become a common name for dyed magnesite (and possibly dolomite) products that are dyed to look like turquoise. Imitation and simulated turquoise: Several stones can be dyed to look like turquoise, including howlite, magnesite and dolomite. Glass, plastic, faience ceramic and polymer clay also can look like turquoise. Turquoise has been mined for eons, since at least 6000 B.C. Early Egyptians wore the stone, and many turquoise pieces have been found in their tombs. The ancient Aztecs of Mexico believed turquoise to be a holy stone and mere mortals were not worthy of wearing this precious stone; it was reserved for the worship of their gods. Persian philosopher Al Kazwini wrote that "the hand wearing a turquoise and using it as a sealing stone will never be poor." Turquoises were used to decorate turbans, often set in a border of pearls, to protect the wearer from the evil eye. The gemstone did not reach Europe until the Crusades. Considered a stone of wholeness, turquoise promotes a sense of unity of the self and oneness with all that surrounds us. It is said to make one feel at home in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Turquoise is said to open all chakras, permitting the attributes of love, completeness and communication to flow through the body and increasing spiritual bonding. It is especially connected to the fifth (throat) chakra and is believed to assist in opening the fourth (heart) chakra. It also is believed to assist the absorption of nutrients while strengthening the immune system and stimulating tissue regeneration. Crystal healers recommend it for detoxification of alcohol, poisons or radiation. Turquoise is mined in the U.S.A. (Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico), China, Peru, Mexico, Iran, Tibet, Siberia, Africa, Australia and Europe.
		Natural Turquoise (-502) Formerly called "AA-Grade" This is high-grade natural turquoise that is not treated, enhanced or stabilized. Natural turquoise comes from mines in the U.S.A., Mexico and China. Sky-blue natural turquoise usually from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona is usually processed into beads in India, China or Vietnam. Be aware that it will absorb body oils and, over time, darken, often becoming green.
		Stabilized Turquoise (-002) Formerly called "A to B Grade" This is commercial-quality turquoise from various sources. Beads in this category are usually stabilized or enhanced to harden the stone. Our -002 items are rarely color-enhanced, although the stabilization process deepens the color (just as a wet sponge is darker than a dry one). These beads are produced from rough turquoise mined in China, Mexico or the United States (specifically northern Nevada the Kingman area of Arizona). They are well-made beads, uniform in shape and size at a median price. This makes them a good, less-expensive substitute for natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise or other high-grade stones. Be aware that the color might slightly darken with wear as the stone absorbs body oils.
		African Turquoise (-125) This stone is not true turquoise, but actually a jasper found in Africa. It has a matrix structure similar to that of turquoise, and is a light bluish-green. The matrix is usually dark or black. It is an interesting substitute for a true turquoise.
		Apple Green Turquoise aka Mojave Turquoise Fresh-picked! Apple green turquoise gets its lush color from dye applied to blue turquoise. Its surface is waxy and speckled like a real apple's skin, and its color is so intense, you can almost taste it. This gemstone is resin-stabilized and has a beautiful brown, white and dark green matrix. Our apple green turquoise is similar to the stone marketed as "mojave turquoise" (which appears to be pieces of real turquoise bound with dyes and plastic resin, then compressed into a block). Depending on the supplier, our apple green turquoise might be solid stone or compressed nugget, like the mojave turquoise. In either case, it is dyed, stabilized with resin and cut in China.
		Block Turquoise (-202) This is manmade, imitation turquoise, produced in blocks from plastic resins and dyes. Black dye is swirled in the material to simulate matrix. Block material is produced in both the United States and China in many colors to imitate different stones and shells, and is commonly used for inlay and beads. Often it is sold as "reconstituted" turquoise, even though it rarely contains any of the real stone.
		Chalk Turquoise Chalk turquoise is softer, lower-grade turquoise that must be stabilized to be used in jewelry. However, most items advertised as "chalk turquoise" are not turquoise. Real chalk turquoise is sold as enhanced turquoise or stabilized turquoise. "Chalk turquoise" has become a misleading marketing term for simulated turquoise. The material sold as chalk turquoise is mostly dyed magnesite.
		Chinese Turquoise This category includes a variety of Chinese turquoise beads mined and processed in the Hubei Province of mainland China. Most Chinese turquoise is enhanced, which can include wax treatment, resin stabilization and/or dye. Ours has a wide range of colors and amount of matrix. Some of our Chinese turquoise is not labeled with our standard gemstone color numbers, but can be found in stock numbers beginning with 20-4 (the rest follow our standard 21-x gemstone numbering format). These beads are usually less regular than our other gemstones, both in size and appearance; while beads on each strand will be fairly uniform, other strands in the same stock number will be different. If you need an exact size, please let us know when you order and we'll make a note to send you a strand as close as possible. We also stock Ma'anshan turquoise from the Anhui Province of China, which is often clearer and bluer than turquoise from the Hubei Province. Ma'anshan turquoise is closer in appearance to the famous blues mined in the southwestern U.S.A.
		Lime Turquoise The perfect accessory for sipping margaritas! We believe that this gemstone from China's Hubei province is a magnesite or similar white stone that has been dyed green. Some of the beads display a very light matrix, while others show none. Lime turquoise is harder and cut better than the typical true turquoise from Hubei.
		Mexican Turquoise These turquoise beads have good color (various shades of blue and green) and a light matrix. Our Mexican turquoise comes from the Pino Chueco ("Crooked Pine") or Campitos mines in Sonora, Mexico. This turquoise is very similar in color to the famed Sleeping Beauty turquoise, but often have pyrite inclusions. These stones are very unique in that they are found as free-form nuggets in clay material, rather than in rock veins. They have been stabilized. These beads are not always available.
		Yellow Turquoise, Hard (-064) aka Flower Jasper, Flower Turquoise, Chinese Howlite The harder version of the two stones known as "yellow turquoise," this stone is more likely a jasper or serpentine. We don't think this stone is dyed or enhanced. It is yellow with brown, green and red, much more varied than the dyed Hubei product (below). The black matrix in yellow turquoise is often attracted by a magnet and is probably hematite.
		Yellow Turquoise, Soft We were originally told this soft stone from China's Hubei province is a natural turquoise that is dyed to achieve its deep yellow hue. However, we suspect it is actually dyed magnesite, dolomite, calcite or possibly limestone. There is no such thing as a "yellow turquoise" — it is simply a descriptive name common in the gemstone industry.
		White Turquoise White turquoise is a misleading term that usually describes magnesite. True low-grade chalk turquoise is very pale blue. Magnesite, dolomite and howlite are white stones that are often dyed to look like turquoise. Perhaps because of these, people often refer to these stones in their natural forms "white turquoise."
Why can't I click on some stone names? Some stones are not currently part of our regular stock, meaning we don't sell them in our wholesale catalog or online. However, these may still be available on our traveling Bead Show tour, which stops at more than 50 U.S. cities each year.

Online Store Main    |    Rings & Things Home Page    |    Site Search