ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – A museum displaying the state gem also provides information on how to purchase this expensive stone and how to tell if it is authentic.
The Turquoise Museum, showcasing five years of turquoise mining, offers guided tours through the museum with a tour guide who specializes in natural gem quality.
This mineral is defined as a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper and because of this it is categorized as a semi-precious gemstone.
If you are a collector of this stone, the museum has a great selection of turquoise cabochons from many rare mines.
Turquoise is mostly sought after due to its blue hues and how they are associated with the sky and gods. For that reason, this gem is said to have many powers including health, wealth, and protection from rattlesnake bites.
For those looking to purchase turquoise or own a family heirloom, it is important to know that turquoise has many different looks and kinds that it is almost impossible to know if it is authentic. Museum-goers can bring in their pieces and the educators will be happy to help to tell them if the stone is real or not.
For more information, visit their website.
