Semi-Precious - Chinese Turquoise Round Beads
Turquoise is one of the most widely recognised semi-precious gemstones with a history that dates back to before 3000BC, where it was mined and used in the jewellery worn by the Pharaohs. Turquoise is an opaque mineral that ranges in colour from sky blue to green, the most valuable turquoise being the beautiful blue shades. The differing colours of turquoise are caused by the presence of metals when the gemstone is forming, the blue colour is caused by the presence of copper, while the green colour is caused by iron or chromium being present in the soil.