Turquoise, an ancient and revered stone, holds a special place in various cultures due to its multifaceted properties.
Used in crystal therapy, it’s known to aid with vision problems. Additionally, it symbolizes wisdom and offers a plethora of benefits on physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional levels.
In this article, we’ll explore these properties and also identify stones that resemble turquoise.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Notable gemstones resembling turquoise include howlite, amazonite, chrysocolla, variscite, larimar, Chinese turquoise, and green onyx, each boasting distinct metaphysical properties.
Turquoise imitators often differ in composition, with howlite being porous and chrysocolla offering calming energies, showcasing their unique identities.
Accurate identification of these look-alike stones is crucial, as they have varying healing attributes and energies, empowering practitioners to make informed choices.
Acquiring authentic turquoise is essential, and reputable sources, such as specialized crystal shops or trusted online dealers, are ideal places to ensure you are obtaining the real deal for your magical practices.
Contents
A List of Stones Resembling Turquoise
Many stones bear a resemblance to turquoise, and here are a few notable examples:
- Amazonite: Known for relieving emotional tension, it helps alleviate the suffering caused by love-related issues. Amazonite disperses negative energies, anger, and facilitates mental elevation. Artists often turn to this stone for its creativity-inducing properties.
- Blue Apatite: Apatite is a dual-action stone known for its positive effects on personal power and goal achievement. It eliminates confusion, negativity, and stimulates intellect for personal or collective growth.
- Blue Howlite: Featuring crystalline aggregates with a milky white color and often dyed blue, blue howlite can mimic turquoise.
It’s employed in crystal therapy for its potential to increase oxygen flow, support treatments for autoimmune and degenerative diseases, boost fertility, and strengthen the heart. It is also utilized for overcoming past wounds and traumas, as well as managing anxiety and panic. - Chrysocolla, variscite, larimar, Chinese turquoise, and green onyx
Differences Between Turquoise and Look-Alikes
| Characteristic | Turquoise | Look-Alike Stones |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Bright blue to green-blue. | Various shades of blue and green. |
| Hardness | 5-6 on Mohs scale. | Varies, usually less than turquoise. |
| Matrix | May have distinctive matrix patterns. | May have veining or patterns. |
| Geographic Origin | Found in various locations worldwide. | Depends on the stone type. |
How to Differentiate Turquoise from Look-Alikes?
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Color and Hue | Examine the color and shade carefully. Genuine turquoise has unique shades of blue and green. |
| Hardness Test | Perform a Mohs scale hardness test. Turquoise should be harder than easily scratched imposters. |
| Matrix Patterns | Analyze the matrix patterns. Turquoise often has unique matrix patterns, while imitations may differ. |
| Geographic Origin | Determine the stone’s origin. Turquoise has various geographic sources. |
Power and Properties of Turquoise
Turquoise is celebrated for its diverse array of properties:
- Protection: Simply holding turquoise can evoke a profound sense of calm and act as a protective shield against negativity and harm.
- Clear Thinking: It is associated with promoting clear thinking and rationality, aiding in decision-making.
- Luck and Creativity: Often considered a lucky charm, turquoise attracts success and stimulates creativity.
- The Traveler’s Stone: Highly regarded as the traveler’s stone, turquoise offers protection during journeys and safeguards against accidents, falls, and theft.
How to Recognize Real Turquoise?
Distinguishing genuine turquoise from imitations can be challenging, but there are methods to help:
- Price: Authentic turquoise is generally more expensive due to its rarity. Beware of suspiciously low prices, as they may indicate an imitation.
- Hydrochloric Acid Test: Place a drop of hydrochloric acid on the gem and observe for any lively effervescence, color changes, or surface lesions. Genuine turquoise should remain unaffected.
- Iron Wire Test: Heat a thin iron wire red-hot and touch it to the stone. If the stone burns with a plastic smell, feels warm and light like plastic, or undergoes any noticeable change, it’s likely a fake.
Keep in mind that natural turquoise often develops inclusions and may yellow over time, while turquoise paste, which contains about 40% turquoise powder, remains unchanged.
Where to Buy Real Turquoise?
Given its rarity, exercise caution when purchasing turquoise. Buy from trusted sources, and be wary of suspiciously low prices, especially online.
Conclusion
To fully harness the energy, properties, and magic of turquoise for protection and calmness, ensure you possess a genuine turquoise stone. Whether for spiritual or aesthetic purposes, authentic turquoise can offer profound benefits.
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