Hubei Turquoise 8-13x12-20mm Green Graduated Barrel Beads - 15-16 Inch

ONE-OF-A-KIND!

Hubei Turquoise is sourced from Hubei Province in Northern China, one of the most recognized turquoise-producing regions in the world. This material is known for its vivid blues, rich greens, and bold black spiderweb matrix—creating highly distinctive, one-of-a-kind beads.

This collection features material sourced from the Joo-shahn County mines, including the Chin-goo 808 Mine, known for producing turquoise with strong color contrast and dramatic natural patterning. Each strand reflects the unique mineral composition of the region, where copper contributes to blue tones and iron introduces green variations.

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, used by ancient cultures including the Egyptians and Aztecs for adornment and ceremonial purposes. It forms over long periods as mineral-rich water moves through aluminous rock, depositing copper and other elements that gradually develop into turquoise. Due to its natural porosity, most turquoise is stabilized to improve durability and usability in jewelry design—learn more about turquoise treatments and care.

Due to its natural porosity, most turquoise on the market is stabilized to improve durability, making it suitable for jewelry design while maintaining its natural appearance.

Each strand is unique, with natural variations in color, matrix, and pattern. No two are exactly alike.

To help strengthen and preserve this Turquoise it is processed using the Zachary Process.
What Is the Zachery Process you ask?
James E. Zachery, a turquoise trader and an electrical engineer, discovered a way to improve the quality of turquoise in the 1980's.

By soaking the stone in a non-toxic chemical solution, it makes it easier to polish and brings out the vibrant colors. No one knows what’s in the solution because this is a proprietary and guarded process, though treated stones have more potassium in them than before. 
Because it doesn't harden the stone, or subject it to pressure, the stones are closer to their natural state. In fact, Zachery-processed turquoise has similar gemological properties to untreated turquoise. To find out more about the process, check out The Identification of Zachery Treated Turquoise.

In 1987, a man named Sterling, who is a turquoise trader from Arizona, purchased the recipe of the Zachery treatment process from James E. Zachery. The Zachery Process is the only turquoise process technology out there that is recognized as a natural treatment by the GIA in the US as well as international gem standards. 

Why Does Turquoise Need to Be Treated you ask? Good question! 
Turquoise is a naturally soft stone, so it fractures easily. It's also porous so it absorbs stains, leading to discoloration. It picks up a lot of sweat and grease when it's worn as jewelry.
People have treated turquoise for centuries using various treatment methods. Waxes and oils used to be the favorite method for improving its appearance.
Stabilized turquoise is the contemporary version of waxing. Specialists soak the stones in resin or liquid plastic to help harden them. It also helps to stop the white 'bloom' as minerals inside the stone leak out. When they're dry, the treated stones are cut, shaped, or polished.