Turquoise, with its captivating blue-green hue and ancient allure, has been cherished for centuries by various cultures around the world. It has adorned the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, the jewelry of Persian kings, and the ceremonial items of Native American tribes. However, turquoise can be both rare and expensive. Fortunately, several other stones share similar aesthetic qualities and can serve as excellent substitutes. This article delves into five of the best substitutes for turquoise, exploring their unique characteristics, historical significance, and how they compare to the beloved blue stone.
1. Amazonite: The Amazonian Beauty
Characteristics and Appearance
Amazonite, a member of the feldspar mineral family, boasts a vibrant green to blue-green color, closely mimicking the look of high-quality turquoise. This stone often features a fine, white streak or lattice pattern, adding to its visual appeal. Amazonite’s color can range from light green to deep turquoise, making it a versatile alternative to turquoise.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Named after the Amazon River, despite no significant deposits found there, amazonite has a storied past. It has been used in jewelry and amulets dating back to ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. Amazonite was believed to have healing properties and was often carved into tablets and seals.
Uses in Jewelry and Art
Amazonite is popular in both jewelry and decorative arts. Its hardness, slightly softer than turquoise, allows for intricate carvings and detailed inlay work. Its bright, cheerful color makes it a favored choice for statement pieces and contemporary designs.
Comparison to Turquoise
While amazonite’s color palette is close to that of turquoise, it lacks the matrix or veining typical of turquoise. However, its vibrant and consistent coloration makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a turquoise-like appearance in their jewelry or decorative items.
2. Chrysocolla: The Gemstone of Communication
Characteristics and Appearance
Chrysocolla is a copper silicate mineral, prized for its stunning blue-green hues that often resemble those of turquoise. It commonly forms with other copper minerals, creating interesting patterns and matrixes. Chrysocolla’s color can range from light green to deep blue, sometimes exhibiting a mesmerizing, iridescent quality.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Historically, chrysocolla has been associated with tranquility and communication. Ancient cultures believed it could calm emotions and enhance clarity in communication. It was used in jewelry, amulets, and carved into various decorative objects.
Uses in Jewelry and Art
Chrysocolla is popular in artisan jewelry and decorative art pieces. Its softness requires careful handling, often set in protective bezels or used in cabochon form to minimize damage. Despite its delicate nature, its striking color makes it a desirable gemstone for many jewelry designers.
Comparison to Turquoise
Chrysocolla can be a visually striking substitute for turquoise, especially when it forms with other minerals like malachite or azurite, adding depth and complexity to its appearance. However, it is generally softer than turquoise and requires more careful handling.
3. Variscite: The Serene Stone
Characteristics and Appearance
Variscite is a relatively rare mineral, known for its soothing green to blue-green color. It often features intricate patterns and veins, somewhat akin to turquoise. Its appearance can range from a solid color to mottled and veined, providing a variety of visual effects.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Named after Variscia, the historical name for the Vogtland region in Germany where it was first discovered, variscite has been used since antiquity. It was commonly fashioned into beads, cabochons, and small carved objects, valued for its calming and harmonious colors.
Uses in Jewelry and Art
Variscite is used in various types of jewelry, from simple beads to elaborate cabochon settings. Its relatively low hardness means it is best suited for pieces that won’t experience heavy wear, such as pendants, earrings, and brooches.
Comparison to Turquoise
Variscite’s color and patterns make it a compelling substitute for turquoise. Its softer nature means it requires more care, but its unique and serene appearance offers a distinctive alternative for those seeking something slightly different yet familiar.
4. Lapis Lazuli: The Royal Blue
Characteristics and Appearance
Lapis lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock, is speckled with golden pyrite inclusions, giving it a starry night effect. While it is generally darker than turquoise, some variations can exhibit a turquoise-like blue, especially when it contains higher amounts of lazurite.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Lapis lazuli has been revered for thousands of years, particularly in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia. It was used to create stunning jewelry, carvings, and even ground into pigment for paint. Its deep blue color symbolized royalty, wisdom, and truth.
Uses in Jewelry and Art
Lapis lazuli is widely used in high-end jewelry, decorative items, and art objects. Its rich color and historical prestige make it a favored stone for luxurious and statement pieces. It is often cut into cabochons, beads, and inlay work.
Comparison to Turquoise
Though typically darker, lapis lazuli’s occasional turquoise-like hues make it a unique and opulent substitute. Its hardness is similar to turquoise, making it durable for various types of jewelry. The presence of pyrite inclusions adds a touch of sparkle and uniqueness.
See Also: American VS Chinese Turquoise
5. Howlite: The Imitation Expert
Characteristics and Appearance
Howlite is a white or grey mineral often dyed to mimic the appearance of turquoise. Its natural form is characterized by web-like veining, which closely resembles the matrix found in turquoise. When dyed, howlite can exhibit a convincing turquoise color.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Howlite was discovered in the 19th century and named after the mineralogist Henry How. Though it doesn’t have the ancient historical significance of other stones, it quickly gained popularity for its affordability and versatility, especially as a turquoise imitator.
Uses in Jewelry and Art
Howlite is commonly used in costume jewelry and decorative items. Its porous nature makes it easy to dye, allowing it to be colored in various shades of blue and green. This versatility makes it a popular choice for budget-friendly turquoise-like jewelry.
Comparison to Turquoise
When dyed, howlite can be nearly indistinguishable from real turquoise to the untrained eye. It is softer than turquoise, requiring careful handling to prevent damage. Its affordability and availability make it a popular alternative for those seeking the turquoise look without the high price tag.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains one of the most beloved gemstones, cherished for its unique color and historical significance. However, for those seeking alternatives, the world of gemstones offers several captivating substitutes. Each of these stones—amazonite, chrysocolla, variscite, lapis lazuli, and howlite—brings its own charm and beauty, providing a range of options for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors.
Embrace the diversity of gemstones and discover the perfect substitute that resonates with your style and preferences. The beauty of these stones lies not only in their visual appeal but also in the rich tapestry of history and meaning they carry, making them cherished additions to any collection.
