Turquoise is a mineral which in it's natural form is blue / green in color. This hue is due to the oxidization of Copper or Aluminum found in the mineral. Turquoise was one of the first gems to be mined and there are many historical references of it's use in beaded jewelry and adornments.

Turquoise is mined in Iran, Sinai, China and the U.S.A., and depending where it is mined will look slightly different. Turquoise is often treated to increase it's durability. Sometimes turquoise is dyed to enhance it's natural color or even change it's color. Dyed red, white and yellow Turquoise beads are very popular. Dyed Turquoise is usually Howlite.

The most popular shape for Turquoise beads is the free form nugget shape which has a unique, easily identifiable shape. Other popular bead shapes are chip, square nugget & flat round all which showcase the dark matrix running though this gem.

We purchase overstocks from gemstone bead manufacturers world wide. This allows us to sell our beads at prices lower than wholesale bead suppliers and other online bead stores with no minimum purchase. These are not production runs so often supplies are limited.