Turquoise is one of the world’s most storied and meaningful gemstones, cherished for nearly 7,500 years.

First admired in ancient civilizations such as Egypt—where it adorned pharaohs and royalty—turquoise has long been valued not only for its striking sky-blue beauty, but also for its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

Across cultures and centuries, turquoise has been associated with protection, healing, and connection to the natural world. Its enduring presence in Native American jewelry reflects both artistic mastery and a profound respect for the stone itself.

A Rare Natural Formation

Turquoise is formed over millions of years under very specific conditions.

It develops primarily in arid regions, including the American Southwest, where mineral-rich water slowly interacts with surrounding rock.

Chemically, turquoise is a copper and aluminum phosphate created through a natural process called hydrothermal replacement. As water passes through host rocks—such as rhyolite, limestone, quartz, or chert—it deposits minerals into cracks and crevices. These host materials become what is known as the stone’s matrix, giving each turquoise piece its unique character and pattern.

Because this process requires precise environmental conditions, true turquoise formation is rare, making high-quality material increasingly scarce.

Understanding Turquoise Types

In the turquoise world, several terms are used to describe how a stone is formed or treated. Understanding these distinctions helps appreciate the craftsmanship and value behind each piece.

Natural Turquoise

Natural turquoise is mined and cut without any treatment. It is rare and highly sought after, as only a small percentage of turquoise is naturally hard enough to be shaped and polished.

It is important to note that “natural” does not always mean “gem-grade”—true gem-quality turquoise represents only a tiny fraction of all turquoise mined.

Stabilized Turquoise

Most turquoise on the market today is stabilized. This process strengthens softer material by reinforcing it under heat and pressure, allowing it to be used in jewelry. Stabilization preserves the stone while enhancing its durability and color. It is commonly used for beads and inlay work.

Enhanced Turquoise

Enhanced turquoise refers to natural turquoise that has undergone a mineral-based electrochemical process (often called the Zachery method). This treatment reduces porosity, deepens natural color, and hardens the stone without introducing artificial fillers. Only mid- to high-grade turquoise can be enhanced in this way.

Chalk Turquoise

Chalk turquoise is natural but extremely soft. It cannot be used in jewelry without stabilization due to its fragile nature.

Reconstituted & Block Turquoise

Reconstituted turquoise is made by combining crushed turquoise with binding materials, while block turquoise is entirely man-made and only turquoise in color. These materials are typically used in lower-cost jewelry and are visually distinct from natural stone.

Natural vs. Treated: A Collector’s Perspective

Turquoise collectors often have strong opinions about treatment. While untreated natural turquoise is traditionally considered more valuable, treated stones can sometimes display greater beauty, stability, and longevity.

Natural turquoise can absorb skin oils over time, gradually changing color—a transformation some cultures view as desirable, symbolizing the stone aging with its wearer. Many stabilized or enhanced stones, however, maintain their appearance longer and can be equally prized for their visual richness.

What matters most is honesty, craftsmanship, and respect for the material.

Our Philosophy

We honor turquoise as both a gemstone and a cultural treasure.

Every piece we offer reflects an appreciation for natural variation, skilled craftsmanship, and the legacy of Native American jewelry traditions.

Turquoise is not a trend—it is history, earth, and artistry shaped by time.