Touch of Turquoise carries jewelry that is made of the finest quality elements. Here you will find descriptions of the materials the Native American Artists use when making jewelry that is sold here at Touch of Turquoise.

Amber

A yellow, red or brown translucent fossil resin of coniferous trees that become charged with static electricity when rubbed. This element is used in beautiful variations of jewelry, carvings etc. (Back to top)

Coral

A hard substance made by sea polyps and forming pink, red or white growths, islands or reefs. Pink Pacific Coral- Salmon Coral, Red Coral, Blood Coral and Mediterranean Coral are a few of the colors and locations of this beautiful skeletal form that artists use to create or enhance their jewelry designs. (Back to top)

Jet

A hard black mineral capable of a brilliant polish. Gagates (Gagatic stone). A deep black, in color and when cut & polished is used in many kinds of jewelry, including Native American. Jet may also be collected from lava beds. (Back to top)

Lapis Lazuli

Also known as Lazuli, lapis is a deep blue semi-precious gemstone. Lapis has been used since ancient times as a decorative medium, religious carvings, for medical problems and artist pigment formulations. In some countries Lapis is a choice for September's birthstone. It is a beautiful stone used in silver and gold jewelry creations made by Native American artists. (Back to top)

Malachite

A green mineral, basic carbon carbonate, an ore of copper, used for making ornamental articles and lovely jewelry set in silver by Native American Indians. (Back to top)

Mother of Pearl

A hard, iridescent substance that forms the inner layer of certain mollusk shells, used for making buttons, beads and jewelry. Whether it is placed in jewelry alone or mixed with other colorful stones it is sure to enhance the beauty of the piece the artist has created. (Back to top)

Turquoise

An opaque blue precious stone. A basic hydrous copper aluminum phosphate after containing a small amount of iron, sky blue or greenish blue and many shades in between in color. Cut cabochon as a gem. (Back to top)