With so many crystals with different properties to choose from it can be quite overwhelming to know which one you should invest in.
Some of them are even extremely similar and can mislead you in the moment of buying. But don’t be fooled by anyone and learn more about each type of crystal.
For example, did you know that there are 9 stones in the world that look similar to turquoise, but they are not turquoise? Some sellers even try to sell them as real Turquoise.
Find out what makes each of these gems unique and how their beauty may add a spiritual component to your life. Learn about their meaning, healing properties, and how to differentiate them from Turquoise.
Are there stones that look like Turquoise?
Yes, and it is believed by some spiritualists that these stones can have similar healing properties as genuine Turquoise.
Natural materials such as Malachite and Chrysocolla often appear similar to the blue-green hues of Turquoise and have many comparable uses for energy healing.
Here are a few ways that spiritually attuned individuals may use Turquoise look-alikes:
- Facilitates deep emotional release;
- Nurtures the connection with Mother Earth;
- Helps you understand energetic boundaries;
- Deepens your intuitive insight.
No matter what stone is used, its unique energies will be powerful in helping us learn, grow and heal.
Each one offers something special and holds the potential to shift our vibration to create the change we seek in our lives.
9 Stones that look like Turquoise but they are not
There are nine stones that are visually similar to Turquoise but they are actually not Turquoise.
Each of the stones has its own characteristics and qualities, which makes them distinct from each other.
You will learn more about the properties and sources of these stones, as well as how to tell the difference between them and Turquoise. Discover the beauty of these nine different gemstones.
1) Chalcopyrite
Chalcopyrite, also known as “Peacock Ore” due to its vibrant array of colors, is a common ore mineral often mistaken for turquoise.
This stone adds many benefits to your life, it has a strong power to remove energy blockages and activate the chakras and your mind at the same time.
Although it does contain shades of blue and green, its brassy-golden hue provides a striking contrast to genuine turquoise stones.
This versatile copper iron sulfide compound can be polished and cut into gemstones with an almost opalescent effect, making them visually appealing while not truly qualifying as turquoise.
2) Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is a mineral that can be mistaken for Turquoise.
Its soft, pale blue-green color and unique crystal structures give it a similar appearance to Turquoise but the two minerals have distinct chemical compositions.
Despite their similarity, Chrysocolla should not be mistaken for Turquoise; while they both share a common aesthetic appeal, they are separate minerals altogether.
Chrysocolla has a glassy sheen and features alternating bands of opaque colors ranging from teal to green.
This is a great stone for grounding and connecting the chakras. It helps you link the base chakra to your heart and throat chakras. It’s a great stone to increase self-love.
Although some forms of Chrysocolla may be used as gemstones, the gem is often found in rock or sandstone formations rather than jewelry.
3) Faience
Faience is a material made of quartz and sand, usually with a base color of blue or green.
However, while it can mimic the look of stones such as Turquoise, it lacks its intrinsic value and rarity.
For this reason, despite its attractiveness, those that appear like Turquoise but are actually Faience are not worth much in terms of value.
Ultimately, Faience can be a visually appealing way to achieve a desired aesthetic without the expense associated with precious stones.
It’s been used for centuries as an affordable alternative to semi-precious stones, often appearing in jewelry and art.
4) Glassy Malachite
Glassy Malachite is a stone often mistaken for turquoise, as the vibrant green and blue colors of this natural gemstone can easily be confused with its cousin.
However, upon closer inspection, the individual flecks of copper that give it its lustre are much more evident in Glassy Malachite.
Despite being harder than Turquoise, it has a soft and subtle texture that often makes it ideal for crafting jewelry.
It’s also a great stone for those dealing with fear, as it encourages you to take risks and step forward in new projects. Glassy Malachite is also used to boost the immune system.
The unusual shapes that Glassy Malachite takes make it even more interesting for craftsmen and artisans to use as no two stones look exactly alike.
5) Howlite
Howlite is a mineral rock made up of calcium and borosilicate.
This soft, porous stone is usually found in a white color but can also be dyed to resemble other gemstones such as turquoise.
Although it has similar veining patterns, its distinctive chalky texture gives away the fact that it is not real turquoise.
Its natural calming properties have made it popular in meditation practice. In conclusion, Howlite is a beautiful look-alike to Turquoise but with a softer, more fragile surface.
6) Blue Apatite
Blue Apatite has characteristic white to light brown veins.
Overall, Blue Apatite offers a distinct alternative to the beauty of Turquoise.
This is a great stone for healing emotional trauma and relieving stress. So if you suffer from anger issues, this stone is perfect for you.
In jewelry applications, it can be used alone or combined with other minerals like jasper and turquoise to make striking pieces.
7) Nephrite
Nephrite is a type of stone often mistaken for turquoise. Its distinctive appearance can be identified by its bright and luminous green hue.
The gemstone also features fine fibers on its surface, a feature absent from turquoise. Nephrite has a higher density than turquoise, so it feels heavier to the touch.
This makes Nephrite the perfect substitute for turquoise for those who are seeking an equally beautiful alternative without the cost associated with it.
It’s a stone of inner peace and balance. When going through a bad situation in life, this stone will attract positive energies to your life.
All in all, Nephrite is an attractive choice to give any piece an exquisite aesthetic quality.
8) Variscite
Variscite is an often-overlooked stone, similar to Turquoise in appearance, yet distinctly different.
Variscite also tends to form into dense nodules rather than its cousins characteristic vein-like structures.
Though it’s much less well known, it still has its place in many art forms like jewelry making. Its soft color and interesting pattern make for some beautiful pieces.
It has strong grounding and wealth properties. It will help you see things clearly and give you wisdom and intelligence. Variscite is also great to relieve stress and anxiety.
To the discerning eye, it is the perfect substitution for Turquoise – gorgeous without breaking the bank!
9) Amazonite
Amazonite is an alluring stone that resembles Turquoise in color and form.
It is believed to foster strength and stamina in those who use it for healing.
Additionally, this mesmerizing stone is known to bring tranquility and help one gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
By holding on to the power of Amazonite, you can rest assured that you’ll be embraced with wisdom, grounding energy, and confidence.
How to Know if it’s a Real Turquoise Stone
In today’s world, with so many turquoise imitations and replicas on the market, it can be hard to tell a real turquoise stone from a fake.
Knowing what makes a turquoise stone real is important if you’re looking to buy an authentic one. Here are 5 ways to ensure you are purchasing a genuine turquoise stone.
1) Check for a Certificate of Authenticity
If you’re considering purchasing a genuine turquoise stone, it is important to ensure that it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
This will provide proof of the stone’s origin and quality.
Furthermore, an official certificate can act as an assurance that the stone is genuine and has been ethically sourced.
Certificates should be issued by a qualified professional who is trained to recognize genuine turquoise.
2) Research the Supplier
Before making a purchase, it’s important to do some research on the supplier.
Make sure they have a proven track record of providing genuine turquoise stones and verify that they source from reputable sources.
Read reviews from past customers to get an idea of their quality and service. Ask for references and contact them for more information.
Doing your due diligence can help ensure you are buying a genuine stone.
3) Check the Quality of the Stone
When buying a genuine turquoise stone, make sure to carefully inspect the stone for quality.
Look for signs of discoloration, which can indicate that it is not authentic.
The color should be even and consistent, and it should have no cracks or chips.
You should also check for any abrasions or inconsistencies in the color or structure. If the stone feels light or has any irregularities, it may be a fake.
4) Know How to Spot Fake Turquoise
Before you purchase a turquoise stone, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of authentic turquoise.
Look for signs of discoloration, artificial staining, and overly glossy surfaces, all of which are common in fake stones
When possible, use a magnifying glass to closely inspect the stone for irregularities that would indicate it’s not genuine.
In addition, be wary of stones that seem too large for their price point as they may have been artificially inflated.
5) Ask an Expert
If you’re still unsure if the stone is genuine, you can always consult an expert in turquoise jewelry.
An expert will be able to provide an educated opinion and be able to determine if the stone is real or not. If the item comes from a reputable source and is of high quality, then the chances are it is genuine.
Final Words
These nine stones might appear like turquoise, but in reality, they are not. To help identify what type of stone you may have, it is important to understand the color and shape of each.
With that knowledge, you can differentiate between turquoise and these similar-looking stones. At the end of the day, no matter how alike they seem, one thing remains true – they are not turquoise!
