An opaque stone, turquoise ranks at the top among all opaque forms. The blue and the green hues of the stone attract all and make it a favorite. Nowadays, it is also available in different catchy shades. Jewelry made of turquoise has a perpetual appeal. It is said that the stone gets its blue color from the sky and hence is known as the 'sky stone'. The truth however, is that the stone that is blue in color has more copper, whereas the one that is green signifies presence of aluminum. The yellow green combination signifies the presence of zinc during formation, though it is rare to find.

Turquoise is formed in rocks rich in content of minerals. It is a water-based stone and there are some dark marks present on it that are the remnants of the original rock. Fine web like lines can also be seen in the stone, which are also remnants of the matrix in which it was formed. This type of the stone is called spider-webbed turquoise. Turquoise is porous and soft, as compared to diamond or sapphire because of the presence of a reasonable amount of water. It is usually stabilized to bring out the best form of color. In this method the pores are filled up with a substance so that the stone retains the color for a long time.

Various forms and styles of turquoise jewelry are available in the market. Designs that imitate the traditional motifs and patterns of indigenous American Indian institutions or modern pieces from the Southwest America are marketed. The designs created by Native Americans are alluring and mystical. You can choose from a wide array of necklaces, earrings and bracelets with turquoise that are available on the market. Very much in fashion, turquoise jewelry is quite easily available online also and at reasonable prices.

Natural turquoise is very expensive. So, nowadays, the turquoise stone is made to undergo enhancement treatment to make it affordable to the masses. It is better to enquire about the type of treatment the stone has undergone, before you buy any type of turquoise jewelry. A jeweler is obliged by law to disclose the type of treatment used on the turquoise stone that he is selling. Also ask for a certificate of authenticity and origin.

A great gift for occasions, turquoise jewelry is a prized possession for all. However, it is advisable to be very careful while buying turquoise jewelry as the market is full of fake stones. Proper care should be taken while storing such jewelry. Do not store it with other jewelry, especially metals, as there is a chance that the stone might be scratched. It should be kept away from high heat, extreme cold and chemicals as well.

Do not wear turquoise jewelry when you are doing any kind of heavy work or when there is a chance of damaging the stone. To clean it, you should only use warm water and a soft moist cloth. Never use a commercial cleaner for your turquoise jewelry as the chemicals might have damaging effect on the stone.