Even jewelry designers with a lot of experience struggle to pick between turquoise and rhodochrosite. In addition to their distinct features, both stones present unique and appealing aesthetics. This extensive guide covers all that one needs to know about the sale of these marvelous gemstones.
What is it that makes Turquoise so special?
First of all, turquoise can be characterized as one of the most popular gemstones worldwide. Its striking blue-green shade attracts jewelry lovers all over the world. For thousands of years, the ancients used this gem in their decorative art piece.
Turquoise for jewelry making as it has a wide range of usage. Both contemporary and traditional designs can incorporate the stone delightfully. Furthermore, the color differences not only highlight the individuality of each item but also make sure no two are the same.
The level of hardness for turquoise on Mohs scale is between 5 and 6. This moderate hardness makes its use possible in different kinds of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. Essentially, the differences of turquoise are reflected in the grade and quality of the product.
On the one hand, high-quality specimens have vibrant color and almost invisible matrices. Lower-grade ones are presented as budget-friendly pieces with the patterns of the surrounding host rock.
The Properties of Rhodochrosite
The commercial value of Rhodochrosite is mainly due to its soft and fragile nature. This mixed manganese carbonate results in pretty banded patterns with the hues of pink turning to red. Some of the best Rhodochrosite samples come from Argentina.
However, due to its low hardness, rhodochrosite is only recommended for jewelry in which the stone is set securely and given gentle handling. The hardness of this mineral is 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Because of its softness, protective settings and careful handling are necessary.
The allure of this mineral in the most natural form is what makes people want to possess it. Collectors seek out crystal forms with distinct banding and vibrant colors. Rhodochrosite crystal for sale verified at a wide range of prices depending mostly on the quality.
Energy healers consider rhodochrosite as a stone that helps emotional healing. It is claimed to be a source of self-love and compassion. These statements make spiritual consumers of jewelry more eager to buy and wear it.
Color Comparison: Blue Meets Pink
Turquoise is known to have beautiful and classic blue to green colors. Among all the varieties, sky blue is the one that is highly valued in the market. Stones in which the blue color is slightly present are much cheaper.
Rhodochrosite makes a clean transition from very light pink to the darkest red, like rose petals. The most beautiful is the purest one without any other minerals mixed besides manganese carbonate. Furthermore, the banding in rhodochrosite creates interesting visual effects in jewelry.
Regardless, of the kind of metal these two can be set in do not spoil the stones’ looks. Copper or any other silver alloy will make the blue of turquoise look even cooler. On the other hand, gold of any kind will look particularly attractive with the reddish to pinkish hues of rhodochrosite.
Durability and Wearability Factors
Though it is a medium-hardness gem, turquoise is quite durable and can be worn daily without much trouble. Usually, scratches, etc., are not formed quickly on it.
Nevertheless, it is advised to take the utmost care when working with rhodochrosite due to its softness. Settings that provide security against impact and friction are a must. You can easily wear rhodochrosite on a pendant or as earrings but avoid wearing it as a ring.
Both stones are usually treated for stabilization as it is in their best interest that these treatments increase their application in the field of jewelry making. The treated stones are the ones that keep their beauty for a long time if they are properly taken care of.
Jewelry Making Applications
Turquoise pretty much perfectly fits the jewelry making industry so it can be used in different and varied design styles. The stone in question is characteristic of Southwest and Native American design. Contemporary designers take traditional looks and give them new fashionable interpretations.
Cabochon cuts emphasize the natural matrix patterns of turquoise. Beads are great for stringing projects. Moreover, larger stones become gorgeous centerpieces for statement jewelry.
Rhodochrosite is best used in jewelry making where it is shielded from harm. Bezel settings are the ones that offer the best protection for the stone. Besides that, pendants display the unique banding patterns of the stone very well.
Wire wrapping techniques are the main factors that contribute to the beauty of these two stones. The natural and irregular shapes are part of the organic look of the stones. Custom settings highlight the one-of-a-kind features of each stone.
Market Availability and Pricing
The turquoise crystal is found for sale practically everywhere in the market. American turquoise is the one that is most expensive and has the highest quality all over the world. On the other hand, Chinese and Mexican varieties are at more affordable prices for consumers.
There are many factors that affect the price of quality turquoise. Among others, color intensity/value, stability, and origin have a large influence on turquoise values. The prices of the specimens from the famous mines that are rare are very high.
The rhodochrosite crystal for sale is more challenging to discover. The Argentine specimens constitute the standard of the highest quality. There are other places in the world where small deposits of rhodochrosite come from.
Whether the price is high or low depends a lot on the quality and size of the specimen. The most excellent and rarest specimens are the most expensive ones. The materials with composition suitable for commercial uses are available at a reasonably low price and affordable for most of the applications in jewelry.
Choosing Your Perfect Stone
Tell us what kind of stone/jewelry you want before you pick the stones. Turquoise is a much better choice if you want to make jewelry for everyday wear. Whereas Rhodochrosite is more suitable for special occasions or collectors’ jewelry.
How much you are willing to spend will largely influence the kind of stone you are going to choose. Both types of stones have various options available in different price ranges. Different quality grades are selected to satisfy different budgetary requirements.
The way you want the stone to look will lead you to the right one automatically. Turquoise is perfect if you are going for rustic or southwestern themes. Rhodochrosite would be a nice addition to romantic and feminine designs.
Conclusion
The two are major contributors to the artistic beauty of jewelry pieces. While turquoise grants a balance between durability and vintage appeal, rhodochrosite on the other hand, contributes with its unique beauty and rarity.
If you want to purchase quality gemstones that are for sale, then you must put in a lot of effort to research and select suppliers. Investing in stones that perfectly match your creative vision is what you need to do.
Your decision between these stunning rocks will depend upon your likings and what you want to use them for. In fact, both will lead to the creation of breathtaking pieces of jewelry that will continue to amaze and charm people for years to come.