The Benefits of Stabilizing Turquoise

Turquoise has been known for thousands of years and is the one of the earliest used gem stones. The formation of this gemstone depends on weathering and the ingredients of the earth's crust. The formation of turquoise depends on the proximity of copper ions and hence it is found only in or near to copper deposits. It is the hydrous hydrate of aluminum, phosphorus and copper. Some of the finest specimens are mined in Iran, although their attractiveness is not rivaled by products from mines in the Southwestern Us. 

Most turquoise mined today has a high porosity and a low density. In fact, in many ways it resembles chalk. To increase its hardness as well as to heighten the color, turquoise is treated by adding a clear resin. This process of infusing the turquoise with a clear resin is called stabilization. Resin fills the tiny holes and crevices of the soft turquoise to form a stabilized stone. Stabilized turquoise is submerged in to a stabilizing compound, mostly an epoxy resin. The capillary performance of the porous stone absorbs the stabilizing compound in to the stone. After the absorption of stabilizing compound, the stone is dried. After drying the turquoise, it can be cut, drilled and prepared for making any jewelry. Any turquoise that is stabilized with dyed resin is known as treated turquoise. Treated turquoise is less costly than natural or stabilized turquoise. Newer approaches involve pressure infusion to fill the hardening clarification deep in to the pores to make the turquoise more amenable to making jewelry.

Turquoise

Natural turquoise has a tendency to change its color as it reacts with the oils in the skin. The stabilized turquoise does not change its color even if it is worn next to the skin because the pores in the stone are sealed with the stabilizing compound. Stabilized turquoise is as beautiful and desirable as natural turquoise but is less costly than natural turquoise. 

Stabilization of turquoise not only protects the stone from dirt but also reduces the chances of breaking. Stabilization is better than waxing and oiling because it won't allow the materials from within the stone to leak over time which creates an outer white deposit. Stabilization of turquoise is often considerable because of the paucity of gem-quality natural turquoise. The stabilization process also provides an opportunity to add color to the stone while the epoxy resin infusion process. Stabilization is a permanent clarification for pores. In summary, stabilization increases the hardness and vigor of the turquoise specimen, and allows the jewelry to cut and polish the stone of a smoother and more sparkling finish.

The Benefits of Stabilizing Turquoise

Thanks To : The Bests Rings