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Stabilized Turquoise

sta·​bi·​lized tur·​quoise | ˈstā-bə-ˌlīz tər-ˌkȯiz

noun

Turquoise that has been treated by various methods to reduce the porosity, thus making it less changeable over time

Turquoise is a naturally very porous material. As a result, it can absorb a large number of pollutants that it comes into contact with. This includes naturally occurring oils that appear on human skin. As a result, the stones, when worn, can become worn or change over time. Stabilized turquoise has been treated in a number of ways to ensure more consistent color and hardness that won’t be affected by outside pollutants including oils from your skin, or other elements that the stone might come into contact with. Turquoise must be stabilized to cut and shape it into a stone for use in jewelry in most cases.

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