Is this real turquoise or a dyed substitute?

Material sold under the Turquoise name in this collection is hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate — the genuine mineral. The bead trade also sells dyed howlite and dyed magnesite under names like 'white turquoise' or 'turquenite,' which are not turquoise. Dyed quartz and reconstituted blocks also circulate.

What does 'stabilized' mean for turquoise, and is it expected?

Stabilization is the industry standard for most turquoise on the market. Raw turquoise is porous and often chalky; stabilization infuses the stone with a clear resin or polymer to harden it, lock in color, and make it workable as beads without crumbling at the drill hole. Stabilized turquoise is still turquoise — only the porosity is filled. Untreated natural turquoise exists but is uncommon in calibrated bead strands and priced accordingly. Composite or reconstituted material is a separate category and should be labeled as such.

How do origin and color vary across Dakota's turquoise?

Hubei (China) turquoise runs from sky blue to robin's-egg with brown or black matrix and is the most consistent in calibrated bead sizes. Arizona material (Sleeping Beauty type and Kingman type) tends toward clean blue with reddish-brown or no matrix. Nevada turquoise often shows green tones and spiderweb matrix. Persian turquoise is classic sky blue, sometimes with golden limonite matrix. Mexican turquoise varies widely.

How do I care for turquoise in finished jewelry?

Turquoise sits at 5–6 on Mohs and is chemically reactive — it absorbs oils, perfumes, lotions, sweat, and chlorinated water, which can turn blue stones green or dull the surface permanently. Stabilized strands tolerate handling better than untreated, but care is the same: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. No ultrasonic, no steam, no bleach, no jewelry dips. Remove before swimming, the gym, hand-washing, and applying fragrance or sunscreen. Earrings and necklaces wear better long-term than rings or bracelets, which take more abrasion and skin contact.

What scale and cut works best for turquoise in design?

Small rounds (3–4mm) and microfaceted rounds read as classic accent strands and pair cleanly with sterling, gold-fill, coral, lapis, and pearl. Heishi and tyre cuts give the Southwest profile and stack well with sterling spacers. Pebble and nugget shapes show off matrix patterning and work for statement pieces where each bead reads individually. Cubes and rondelles bridge between geometric and organic looks. Because color and matrix vary across mines and even across one strand, designers stringing multi-strand or graduated pieces should buy enough material from a single order to keep the palette consistent.

Persian Turquoise Beads – 5-6x8-10mm Irregular Tube, 15–16" Strand

Persian Turquoise 5-6x8-10mm Irregular Tube Beads - 15-16 Inch

$119.00 - $119.00

$119.00

$119.00 - $119.00

$119.00

Persian turquoise is not only a pretty rock. It is a piece of history. It tells about kings, mines, art, and old trade. It holds the stories of people who loved it long ago.
Persian turquoise was for kings and queens. It was placed on crowns, rings, and necklaces. The royal people loved the stone.

Originally called piruzeh in Persian, the gem has spiritual value in the Persian culture and as such, its name carries the meanings of victory, triumph, and prosperity. In Persian literature, turquoise has been celebrated by poets, and various legends and beliefs are associated with it.

People loved Persian turquoise for many reasons. The stone was thought to bring good luck, provide protection from harm, calm the heart and mind, show beauty and wealth, and help to keep promises and truths. Because of these ideas, turquoise became a very special stone.
Kings, queens, artists, and travelers all loved this stone. The quantity of turquoise artifacts discovered in burial sites suggests the importance of this mineral in this ancient civilization’s traditions. While the estimated age of these artifacts is valid, no scientific study has linked them to any specific deposit.

Traders took Persian turquoise to faraway lands. The stone traveled on old roads and on ships. People in other countries saw the blue gems and wanted them. The stone became known in many places. It was like a small blue gift that moved around the world.

When you hold a Persian turquoise piece, you hold a small piece of the old world.

SKU TQSPER5-10TUBE-IRR

Product Specifications

Stone type

Turquoise

Cut

Tube

Bead size

10mm

Strand length

15-16 Inch

Drill style

Center-drilled (lengthwise)

Hole size

0.6-0.8mm

Mohs hardness

5–6

Mineral family

Turquoise

Typical origin

USA (Arizona)USA (Nevada)China (Hubei)Mexico

Care

Avoid ultrasonic, steam, bleach, and household cleaners. Soft damp cloth only. Remove before swimming, gym, perfume, hand-washing.

Frequently asked questions

Is this real turquoise or a dyed substitute?

Material sold under the Turquoise name in this collection is hydrated copper-aluminum phosphate — the genuine mineral. The bead trade also sells dyed howlite and dyed magnesite under names like 'white turquoise' or 'turquenite,' which are not turquoise. Dyed quartz and reconstituted blocks also circulate.
What does 'stabilized' mean for turquoise, and is it expected?

Stabilization is the industry standard for most turquoise on the market. Raw turquoise is porous and often chalky; stabilization infuses the stone with a clear resin or polymer to harden it, lock in color, and make it workable as beads without crumbling at the drill hole. Stabilized turquoise is still turquoise — only the porosity is filled. Untreated natural turquoise exists but is uncommon in calibrated bead strands and priced accordingly. Composite or reconstituted material is a separate category and should be labeled as such.
How do origin and color vary across Dakota's turquoise?

Hubei (China) turquoise runs from sky blue to robin's-egg with brown or black matrix and is the most consistent in calibrated bead sizes. Arizona material (Sleeping Beauty type and Kingman type) tends toward clean blue with reddish-brown or no matrix. Nevada turquoise often shows green tones and spiderweb matrix. Persian turquoise is classic sky blue, sometimes with golden limonite matrix. Mexican turquoise varies widely.
How do I care for turquoise in finished jewelry?

Turquoise sits at 5–6 on Mohs and is chemically reactive — it absorbs oils, perfumes, lotions, sweat, and chlorinated water, which can turn blue stones green or dull the surface permanently. Stabilized strands tolerate handling better than untreated, but care is the same: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. No ultrasonic, no steam, no bleach, no jewelry dips. Remove before swimming, the gym, hand-washing, and applying fragrance or sunscreen. Earrings and necklaces wear better long-term than rings or bracelets, which take more abrasion and skin contact.
What scale and cut works best for turquoise in design?

Small rounds (3–4mm) and microfaceted rounds read as classic accent strands and pair cleanly with sterling, gold-fill, coral, lapis, and pearl. Heishi and tyre cuts give the Southwest profile and stack well with sterling spacers. Pebble and nugget shapes show off matrix patterning and work for statement pieces where each bead reads individually. Cubes and rondelles bridge between geometric and organic looks. Because color and matrix vary across mines and even across one strand, designers stringing multi-strand or graduated pieces should buy enough material from a single order to keep the palette consistent.