This guide covers observations and their limits, rather than certifying a material. Colour, shape, surface appearance and photographs cannot establish identity or treatment on their own. Avoid destructive home tests; uncertainty is a reason to seek professional identification, not to make a stronger claim.
Visual Clues: How to Spot Dyed Turquoise
1. Examine the Color
Compare colour across the item in diffuse light. Vivid or even colour alone does not prove dyeing.
2. Look for Dye Concentration
Use magnification to record colour around holes, cracks or pits. A darker area is a question to investigate, not a diagnosis.
3. Assess the Matrix Pattern
Record matrix patterns and variation. The presence, absence or sharpness of a matrix does not establish identity on its own.
4. Observe Under Magnification
Photograph visible coatings, fillings and surface details without solvents or scratching. Ask a qualified specialist if reliable identification is needed.
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