African Turquoise Gemstone Beads

Frequently asked questions

• Is African turquoise real turquoise?

  No. African turquoise is a trade name for a jasper — opaque microcrystalline quartz — that has been dyed teal to resemble the blue-green register of true turquoise. It is not chemically or mineralogically related to copper-aluminum-phosphate turquoise. The trade name persists because the polished result is visually similar and the variety has its own established place in the bead market; the actual mineral identity should be disclosed per SKU.
• Is African turquoise dyed?

  Yes. The teal color is applied during processing — the underlying jasper rough is naturally a muted gray-green or tan. Dyed jasper is typically also stabilized to set the color, and half of our active African turquoise strands carry the Stabilized treatment tag. Treatment specifics should be disclosed; ask before buying if not specified.
• How durable is African turquoise compared to real turquoise?

  More durable. African turquoise is a jasper at Mohs 6.5–7 — harder than true turquoise (Mohs 5–6) and suitable for any jewelry application including rings. Standard care is wipe with a soft cloth and mild soap; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning, which can affect the dye and stabilization resin over time. The durability difference is part of why the variety exists commercially — designers can use it in applications where true turquoise would need more careful handling.
• Where does African turquoise come from?

  The trade attribution is loose. Material is most commonly described as sourced from South Africa, with mineralogical literature also referencing other African localities. Deposit-specific provenance is rarely tracked in the bead market for this variety the way it is for, say, Sleeping Beauty turquoise or Bobonong Botswana agate — origin specificity isn't part of the variety's commercial identity. Where verifiable origin is available, it should be disclosed.
• What sizes and cuts does Dakota carry?

  Our active African turquoise inventory centers on 8mm and 6mm rounds, with 4mm, 10mm, and 12mm rounds also stocked alongside 3x6mm rondelles. Round is the dominant cut. Full size and shape availability is filterable in the grid above; designers replenishing an existing design can confirm exact strand specifications on each listing.