Making reconstituted turquoise beads is a popular choice.
Occupying the fence between the real and the created in the turquoise world, turquoise is reconstituted. It contains real turquoise, but it also contains resins and sometimes dyes. Some versions have additions like pyrite, which help make the reconstituted turquoise stones and beads more real. Also, it can be attractive, but buyers need to know what they are buying. The sale of turquoise that has been reconstituted as whole turquoise is frowned upon, although the practice does occur.
Reconstituted turquoise contains real turquoise, but also includes other minerals and dyes.
The ancient Egyptians made reconstituted turquoise, in a slightly different form, about 4,000 years ago. They didn’t actually use turquoise, but they created what is called faience when they hammered quartz into a paste, which was dyed and heated to create what looked like turquoise. This method was later adapted to make use of small, imperfect patches of true turquoise.
Since turquoise is a very soft gemstone, it is easy to pulverize, add resins, and dye and create stones. Some advocate this practice as a great way to recycle small parts or spoiled parts that would otherwise go to waste. Others find the practice misleading, especially if people do not disclose that they are selling reconstituted turquoise. It is less valuable than the whole stones, but it can be a bit stronger and it really is at least partially turquoise.
Usually when reconstituted turquoise is made, it is shaped and set into blocks or bricks. These are carved, cut, or molded in various ways. Doing math with this recycled stone is a popular choice. However, it can be shaped into larger stones to set jewelry.
Some jewelers suggest that you can detect reconstitution because the resin will give off an odor. Few describe exactly what this scent is, but true turquoise shouldn’t have any kind of scent. Jewelers can easily identify reconstituted turquoise from real turquoise under magnification. If you’re not sure what you’re buying, you may want to have it appraised by a third-party jeweler who doesn’t sell the material. That said, most jewelers will be quick to tell buyers if a stone has been reconstituted or cut from pure whole turquoise, and also if any treatments such as resins, paints, or enamels have been applied.
Some advocate making and buying reconstituted turquoise because, on the surface, it has all the appeal of standard turquoise without the price tag. It should be cheap, and if you love turquoise beads or jewelry, you can buy them for a low price. Since many are drawn to the beautiful colors of this gem but may not be able to afford it, having one or more stones made from reconstituted turquoise allows you to get the look at no cost.