Pricing Chart of Turquoise Gemstones

How much turquoise stone do you have? The value of a turquoise stone is one of the most popular questions among turquoise collectors. The cost of turquoise stones usually lie within the boundaries of one to ten dollars per carat but may fall between 0.05 to a thousand dollars per carat depending on the quality. 

It is somewhat confusing because the distinction between quality turquoise and cheaper stones can be a bit confusing. The factors which make a stone expensive are numerous and some of them are subjective and usually can vary with time. Things like the weight of the stone and the Turquoise Quality Index can be used to determine the true value of a stone.

Weight

The carat system of weighing turquoise is by 5 carats per gram. The heavier the stone the better it is. When they are on sale, turquoise is usually in per carat prices. And the first thing is to weigh the stone, and calculate the price per carat. Depending on a stone, this price may be between 0.05 to 500 dollars per carat.

Turquoise Quality Index

A Turkish Quality Index (TQI) is a quantification of the quality of turquoise stone. The TQI is on a scale of 8 to 100. The larger the TQI figure, the higher the quality of the turquoise, the higher the grading and the more valuable the stone. Very few score high; less than 1 percent of the turquoise on the market rate is 90 or above.

How to Find TQI?

TQI scoring system is a good method to obtain an estimate. Two significant elements that can be considered that add the actual turquoise value are in place. These are the physical structure of the stone, and the rarity of the stone. These elements are further subdivided into 8 indicators and graded in terms of the levels of importance. The TQI is a scoring exercise of these 8 indicators. 

The majority of these indicators are generally accepted but there has been disagreement with respect to color, clarity and pattern of the stone. The subjectiveness of these qualities may make it difficult to get an actual figure. 

This is merely to help you in assessing the price of turquoise. There is normally a slight deviation based on the individual who is scoring TQI. To be more precise one should refer to a turquoise expert.

Depending on different components of the material that makes up the host rock, it may alter the appearance and structural integrity. Not all turquoise is created in its entirety and must be facilitated with the help of refining agents to render it jewelryable. Physical properties of the resulting stone are the major indicators that can be used to establish the value of the stone.

Physical structure is composed of 55 points: Hardness (20), Enhancement (20), Composition (10), and Cut (5).

• Structure

• Hardness

• Enhancement

• Composition

• Cut

There are no two turquoise stones that are similar. The bits and pieces of the host stone that cannot be turned to turquoise form a network of beautiful distinctive colors and designs. Dyed and machine molded synthetic plastic turquoise can be produced on a mass scale and does not hold much value. 

Alternatively, a sea shell rich in calcium might turn out to be turquoise should it have fossilized in the dry American southwest and perhaps a copper vein. Although this is extremely rare, this can happen in the right circumstances. The scarcity of this source of turquoise, as of other signs of quality, adds immense value to our favorite blue stone.

Tips for Buying Turquoise

To those buyers who want to invest in turquoise, the following tips will help you to maximize on your investment:

• Know Treatments: It is always important to know whether the turquoise is natural, stabilized or treated. The most useful but the costliest are the natural stones.

• Check Provenance: You may know the provenance of the stone who made it, thereby knowing its quality and value.

• Check the Matrix: Check the attractive even pattern of matrices in case it is present. Stones which have too many or too unattractive matrices should be avoided.

• Request Certification: When buying a high value stone, ask to see the certification showing the history and treatment of the stone.

• Take into account the Environment: Turquoise which is set in precious metals or patterns can be worth a higher price.

Turquoise Value TQI Price per Carat

After evaluating your turquoise stone, and have a total TQI points compare it to the chart below to get the price per carat.

Turquoise Value References

Fritsch, Emmanuel. McClure, Shane. Ostrooumov, Mikhail. Andres, Yves. Koivula, John. Kammerling, Robert. The finding of Zachery treated Turquoise 1999. Mohs Hardness Scale, A fast hardness test to use in the field and classroom.

Conclusion

Turquoise is still among the most popular gemstones, with its lengthy history and eternal popularity. The grading of its quality is based on its color, texture, and matrix, its treatment and origin, all of which determine the value of the grading in the market. 

Prices vary between a few cents per carat in treated or low quality stones to hundreds of dollars per carat in higher quality natural turquoise.

With the ever-increasing demand of unique and meaningful gemstones, turquoise can provide a flexible alternative to casual customers and collectors. Knowing about its quality and worth means that you make wise choices, be it buying, selling or just appreciating this colorful gemstone.