Turquoise Gem Appraisal

Unpolished Turquoise Specimen

The item is an unpolished, raw specimen of what appears to be turquoise, held between a thumb and forefinger. It is a small, irregularly shaped chunk, characterized by its vibrant, opaque robin's egg blue color. The surface is uneven and textured, displaying a botryoidal or globular habit, which means it is composed of numerous small, rounded masses resembling a bunch of grapes. Some areas show a lighter, almost white or pale blue coloration within the crevices and on some of the rounded nodules, suggesting natural matrix inclusions or variations in mineral composition or weathering. The size is difficult to ascertain precisely without a scale, but it appears to be approximately 1-2 cm in its largest dimension, fitting comfortably between two fingers. There are no visible cut or polished faces, nor any discernible carving or treatment. The stone exhibits a dull to sub-vitreous luster typical of rough turquoise. No specific maker's marks, signatures, or stamps are visible. The item appears to be a natural mineral specimen, likely a raw gemstone suitable for lapidary work, jewelry making, or as a collector's piece. The quality indicators point to its natural, unaltered state, with the bright blue color being a desirable characteristic. The presence of subtle white inclusions adds to its natural aesthetic without appearing to be a significant condition issue or damage.