Quick answer: genuine turquoise (Firoza) is a natural copper-aluminium phosphate with a sky-blue to green colour, often with brown or black matrix lines. It is traditionally linked with Jupiter (Guru), with protection, especially while travelling, and with clear communication. The problem is that most cheap "turquoise" sold in India is dyed howlite or magnesite, a white stone coloured blue. Natural turquoise is also often stabilised with resin to make it durable. All three can be honest products if they are labelled; they are a cheat only when the label lies. At GemKrishna every turquoise piece carries a lab report and a title that says exactly what it is.
Natural, stabilised, reconstituted or dyed howlite?
| Type | What it is | Price level | Honest label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural untreated turquoise | Solid turquoise, only cut and polished | Highest | "Natural turquoise" |
| Stabilised turquoise | Natural turquoise impregnated with resin for strength and colour stability | Medium to high | "Stabilised turquoise" |
| Reconstituted turquoise | Turquoise powder bonded with resin | Low | "Reconstituted" |
| Dyed howlite / magnesite | A different white mineral, dyed blue | Lowest | "Dyed howlite" |
At GemKrishna, for example, our raw stone listing is titled "Raw Turquoise Crystal | Dyed howlite" so nobody is misled, while our turquoise bracelets and silver jewellery are sold as turquoise with a lab report. When you shop anywhere, read the title and the report, not just the colour.
Firoza in astrology and tradition
- Jupiter (Guru): Firoza is widely used as an affordable Jupiter stone, especially for Dhanu (Sagittarius) and Meen (Pisces), and sometimes as an upratna for Pukhraj. Some astrologers also link it with Venus.
- Protection: across Persia, Tibet, India and the Americas, turquoise has been worn as a protective stone, particularly by travellers and riders.
- Communication: in crystal practice it is a throat-chakra stone for honest, confident speech.
- Birthstone: December.
These are traditional beliefs and do not guarantee results. For a Jupiter remedy, follow your astrologer, and see our Pukhraj guide.
Turquoise products and prices at GemKrishna
| Piece | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Turquoise bead bracelet | ₹6,999–₹10,999 |
| Turquoise 925 silver seven-stone bracelet (18 g) | about ₹9,099 |
| Turquoise 925 silver bracelet (29 g) | about ₹14,499 |
| 925 silver Firoza bracelet | about ₹20,199 |
| Natural turquoise bracelet in 925 silver | about ₹29,000 |
| Turquoise rings and more turquoise bracelets | see collections |
Silver pieces follow the day's silver rate. Turquoise also appears in our Sagittarius and Scorpio zodiac bracelets.
How to spot dyed or fake turquoise
- Price: a full bracelet of "natural turquoise" for a few hundred rupees is almost certainly dyed howlite or magnesite.
- Colour in cracks: dye pools in cracks, pits and drill holes, making them darker than the surface.
- Matrix: in howlite the dark veins are often sunken grooves; in many natural turquoises the matrix is part of the surface.
- Too perfect: identical bright blue in every bead, with no variation, suggests dye or plastic.
- Do not scratch or use solvents on jewellery to test it. A lab can identify turquoise, stabilisation and dye without damage.
Buying genuine Firoza from GemKrishna
- Lab report with every piece, mainly from GJSPC; IGI, GRS, IIGJ, GSI or GIA on request. You can see it before buying.
- The report states the identity (turquoise or otherwise), any treatment such as stabilisation or dye, and the weight, with a photo of the piece.
- The product title states any treatment, and a dyed howlite product is called dyed howlite.
- Our authenticity guarantee: if a piece is shown not to be what we stated, you get everything back, including shipping and making.
See also treated vs untreated gemstones and where to buy genuine lab-certified gemstones in India.
Caring for turquoise
- Turquoise is porous and soft (about 5 to 6). Keep it away from water, soap, oil, perfume and sweat where possible, which can discolour it.
- Wipe it with a dry soft cloth. Do not soak it or use ultrasonic cleaners.
- Avoid strong sunlight and heat for long periods.
Frequently asked questions
What is Firoza stone?
Firoza is the Hindi and Persian name for turquoise, a natural sky-blue to green copper-aluminium phosphate.
Who should wear Firoza?
Traditionally people seeking Jupiter's support, such as Dhanu and Meen rashi, travellers wanting protection, and December-born people. Follow your astrologer for remedies.
Is most turquoise in India fake?
A lot of cheap "turquoise" is dyed howlite or magnesite. It is fine to buy if it is labelled honestly; ask for a lab report.
What is stabilised turquoise?
Natural turquoise impregnated with resin for strength and colour stability. It is a common, acceptable treatment when disclosed.
Where can I buy genuine turquoise online in India?
GemKrishna sells turquoise with a lab report and a title stating any treatment, mainly with GJSPC reports, and labels dyed howlite openly.
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