How is Oyster Turquoise Made? A Look at This Unique Composite Gemstone

Oyster turquoise has become a popular material in Southwestern jewelry and gemstone crafting. But what exactly is oyster turquoise and how is it made? As a unique composite stone, oyster turquoise has an intriguing creation process that results in beautiful, one-of-a-kind patterns and colors.

In this article we’ll examine how oyster turquoise is made and what materials go into it. We’ll also look at the history of this distinctive gemstone and its rise in popularity.

What is Oyster Turquoise?

Oyster turquoise is a man-made composite gemstone, composed of turquoise bonded with shells of the spiny oyster mollusk. The spiny oyster is not a true oyster, but rather a species related to scallops that thrives in warm ocean waters

Oyster turquoise combines the lovely blue-green color of turquoise with the orange and brown natural patterns of spiny oyster shells. The result is a visually striking gemstone displaying the colors of land and sea.

While oyster turquoise is manufactured, it retains an organic, natural look from the shell fragments. No two stones look exactly alike, making each one unique.

How is Oyster Turquoise Manufactured?

The creation process of oyster turquoise involves just three main components:

Turquoise

Finely crushed or powdered high-grade turquoise provides the blue-green background color. Tibetan turquoise is often used for its prized robin’s egg blue tone.

Spiny Oyster Shell

The shells are harvested as a byproduct of the seafood industry. They are then broken down into tiny fragments and powder.

Epoxy Resin

A clear epoxy resin binds the turquoise and spiny oyster particles together into a durable composite material.

The ingredients are combined in measured proportions, poured into molds, and left to harden. The ratio of shell to turquoise can be adjusted to achieve different color mixes and patterns.

After curing, the material is cut into slabs and shaped into beads, cabochons, and other cuts. The back of the stones may be coated to seal in the powdered particles.

History and Origins

Oyster turquoise originated with the Zuni Pueblo tribe of New Mexico in the 1970s. Zuni artisans were already combining turquoise with black jet shells when they decided to experiment with the spiny oyster’s bright orange hues.

The composite gemstone was an immediate success with collectors who were captivated by the lively patterns and colors. Turquoise suppliers took note and began manufacturing oyster turquoise to meet demand.

Use of spiny oyster shells actually dates back centuries in North American native jewelry. Ancient mounds in Florida contained spiny oyster-studded jewelry traded across the region. Combining the shell with turquoise, however, was an innovative 1970s invention.

Unique Beauty and Variations

Today, oyster turquoise remains popular for its striking visual impact. The swirling marbled patterns give it an artistic, hand-crafted look. The contrast of orange with light blue is eye-catching and cheery.

Some variations include:

• Blue oyster turquoise – Emphasizes blue shades from the turquoise.

• Red oyster turquoise – Contains more red-orange spiny oyster colors.

• Fossilized oyster turquoise – Prehistoric oyster shell fossils replace modern shell.

• Oyster onyx turquoise – Black onyx and oyster shell particles substituted for turquoise.

• Oyster coral turquoise – Crushed coral instead of turquoise.

Regardless of the color mix, each stone has a uniqueness that makes oyster turquoise perfect for artisanal jewelry. Its vibrant, natural aesthetic brings one-of-a-kind character to pendants, rings, bolo ties, and more.

Oyster Turquoise in Jewelry Crafting

For jewelry makers, oyster turquoise offers some great advantages:

• Color variety – From bold oranges to pale blue-greens, the range of shades provides endless options for pairing with metals, beads, and other gemstones.

• Pattern uniqueness – No two stones look the same, giving jewelry designs a distinctive handmade look.

• Natural texture – The visible spiny oyster fragments add organic visual interest and depth.

• Durability – The cured resin makes oyster turquoise cabochons sturdy for frequent wear.

Oyster turquoise is also affordable, especially compared to high-grade natural turquoise. These advantages have made it a mainstay in artisanal jewelry circles. Its popularity shows no signs of waning.

So next time you admire a stunning orange-flecked turquoise pendant, it just may be durable and colorful oyster turquoise! The innovative composite stone combines ocean and desert into wearable art.