“Yellow turquoise” is a common term in the gemstone market, but it often refers to materials that are not genuine turquoise. This misnomer can cause confusion about its true nature. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the identity of this yellow-hued stone.
Defining Yellow Turquoise
The material sold as “yellow turquoise” is not true turquoise. Authentic turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, known for its characteristic blue-green to green coloration. In contrast, “yellow turquoise” is a commercial name for various other minerals or treated stones that have a yellow hue and sometimes a matrix pattern resembling turquoise.
Minerals marketed under this name include yellow Jasper, Serpentine, and Magnesite. Dyed Howlite is also occasionally sold as “yellow turquoise.” These stones are often named “yellow turquoise” due to their visual resemblance to turquoise or their discovery in similar mining regions, despite their distinct chemical compositions and origins.
Physical Characteristics and Formation
Materials marketed as “yellow turquoise” vary in appearance. Their color ranges from pale yellow to a deeper mustard or golden hue, sometimes with greenish undertones. These stones often exhibit natural patterns, such as veining or a matrix, in black or brown. The luster of these materials differs based on their mineral composition; Jasper typically has a glassy luster, Serpentine can be waxy to silky, and Magnesite often presents a vitreous or pearly sheen.
The hardness of these minerals also varies considerably from genuine turquoise, which measures between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale. Jasper has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. Serpentine is softer, typically ranging from 2.5 to 5.5. Magnesite has a hardness of 3.5 to 4.5.
These minerals form through distinct geological processes. Jasper originates from silica-rich fluids seeping into porous rocks or sediments, with its yellow coloration often resulting from iron impurities. Serpentine forms through serpentinization, a process where magnesium-rich rocks like peridotite or olivine are altered by water and carbon dioxide at relatively low temperatures. Magnesite typically forms from the alteration of magnesium-rich or carbonate rocks, or through sedimentary deposition in specific environments.
Uses and Market Presence
Materials sold as “yellow turquoise” are widely used in various applications, particularly in the creation of jewelry. They are commonly fashioned into beads, cabochons, and pendants, and are also employed in decorative carvings and ornamental objects. Their appealing yellow coloration and often intricate patterns make them desirable for crafting.
These stones are generally more affordable than genuine turquoise, making them an accessible alternative for jewelry designers and consumers. Their cost-effectiveness allows them to be incorporated into a broader range of products. “Yellow turquoise” materials are readily available in the market, found in craft supply stores, online marketplaces, and some jewelry outlets. They are frequently marketed with disclaimers or quotation marks around the word “turquoise” to indicate they are simulants rather than the true mineral.