Turquoise, also known as Firoza, is a delicate sky-blue gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 5–6. This gemstone is opaque in appearance. Turquoise is found in many countries of the world, such as the United States, Iran, China, Egypt, and Australia.
Among all these varieties, the Irani Feroza (Persian Turquoise) is renowned as one of the best and most expensive types of turquoise available due to its remarkable quality, deep blue hue, and historical significance. However, as the demand for this gemstone has increased, fake and processed stones have flooded the market. In this blog, we will look at the major characteristics of authentic Iranian Feroza, which will help you identify and recognize the original Iranian turquoise stone.
Understanding Irani Feroza
Irani Feroza is generally found in the Neyshabur mines in Iran. The gemstones found in this place in Iran are considered some of the finest turquoise gemstones in the world. This type of turquoise gemstone is famous for its intense sky-blue color, which is often free from veins or matrix patterns. It provides this gemstone with a unique and elegant appearance. The historical significance of Irani Feroza can be traced back to ancient Persia, where it was worn by royalty and warriors as a symbol of protection and prosperity.
How to Identify Original Irani Feroza Stone?
To identify an original Irani Feroza stone, you must consider the following characteristics of the gemstone before buying:
1. Color
Genuine Iranian Feroza has a deep and brilliant sky-blue color, unlike other origins of turquoise, which has a greenish tint. Iranian turquoise is primarily blue with little to no veining. Any dull or too-bright artificial color may suggest that the stone has been treated or is synthetic.
2. Texture and Surface
Real Irani Feroza normally possesses a smooth, waxy, and porous surface. This helps to differentiate it from other varieties of this gem. It is naturally opaque and does not have a glossy or highly polished appearance like synthetic imitations. When handled, it should feel cool and pleasant to the skin, not heated or plastic-like.
3. Hardness
Turquoise is a soft gemstone that has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. Due to this reason, it is not as hard as other jewels such as sapphires or diamonds. Therefore, you can find out its originality by conducting a simple scratch test on its surface with the help of a copper coin or a steel knife. It will help you to determine the authenticity of the stone. If the stone is easily scratched or flaked, then most likely, it is a fake one.
4. Absence of Matrix
Unlike other turquoise varieties, Irani Feroza can be distinguished by its clear and matrix-free look. Most high-quality Persian turquoise stones exhibit little or no webbing or brown/black matrix patterns. If you notice extensive veining, the stone may be of another origin or may have been intentionally altered to resemble the Irani Feroza.
5. Water Test
Placing a drop of water on the surface of the stone is an easy approach to determine authenticity. Natural Irani Feroza is relatively porous, therefore, it will absorb water slowly. If the water droplet stays on the surface or quickly rolls off, the stone may have been treated with resins or synthetic coatings.
6. Temperature Check
One of the easiest ways to check the authenticity of an Irani feroza stone is by checking its temperature because authentic Irani Feroza retains a cool temperature even when held for a prolonged period. On the other hand, fake or treated stones generally feel warm to the touch due to the presence of artificial resins or plastics in their formation.
How to Identify Fake Irani Feroza Stone?
Due to its expensiveness, several gemstone sellers try to sell imitations of a turquoise gemstone as genuine Irani Feroza. You should be wary of these sellers and acquire complete information regarding the Iranian feroza stone before one. The following are some popular forms of false turquoise stones that you should know about:
- Dyed howlite: A white porous mineral colored blue to mimic turquoise.
- Reconstituted Turquoise: This is created by crushing low-quality turquoise and combining it with resin to get a homogeneous appearance.
- Plastic or Glass Imitations: Some false stones are made from dyed glass or plastic to resemble authentic turquoise.
- Stabilized Turquoise: While technically still turquoise, stabilized stones have been treated with resins to improve color and durability, making them less valuable than native Irani Feroza.
Tips for Buying Authentic Irani Feroza
1. Buy from Trusted Sellers
When acquiring genuine Irani Feroza, always buy from reputed jewelers or gemstone merchants with verifiable credentials because reputed dealers provide certification of authenticity and other documents to verify the origin of the stone.
2. Ask for Certification
Authentic Irani Feroza should have a gemstone certification from a reputable gemological institute. Certificates from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or IGI (International Gemological Institute) might aid to confirm the stone's authenticity and origin. If you are unsure about the authenticity of your Feroza, have it analyzed at a certified gemological laboratory. Experts utilize sophisticated techniques such as spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to assess whether the stone is natural or altered.
3. Low Price Means Fake
Irani Feroza is one of the most valuable types of turquoise. If someone is offering to sell it at a relatively lower price that appears too good to be true, then it's probably a fake one. While buying Iranian feroza, you should be wary of extremely low-cost stones, as they are generally fake or treated ones.
4. Examine Under Natural Light
Artificial lighting can occasionally make fake stones appear more brilliant and beautiful. Therefore, it is essential to examine the firoza stone in natural daylight to see its actual color and texture.
Conclusion
Identifying genuine Iranian Feroza requires a keen eye and awareness of its distinguishing qualities. You can tell the difference between genuine and imitation stones based on their natural color, texture, hardness, and other distinguishing characteristics. Whether you're buying this gemstone for astrological purposes, spiritual protection, or as a collector's piece, make sure you buy from reliable sources and verify authenticity with certification. Investing in a natural Irani Feroza stone not only adds visual value but also improves its spiritual and healing capabilities. Stay informed and make sound decisions to experience the genuine essence of this gorgeous diamond.
