
Who invented the Zachery treatment process?
In 1987, a man named Sterling, who is a turquoise trader from Arizona, purchased the recipe of the Zachery treatment process from James E. Zachery. We interviewed him about the process.
What is the Zachery enhancement method?
The first and most famous is the Zachery Enhancement Method, which is named after James Zachery, an electrical engineer and turquoise lover. The process involves soaking the turquoise in a proprietary chemical along with a charge of electric current. The resulting turquoise is left with slightly more potassium.
What is Zachery treatment for turquoise?
The Zachery treatment is an exclusive process for treating turquoise. Gems that undergo this process receive several benefits. They are more resistant to discoloration, take a better polish, and can have better color. Why was it Developed?
Is Zachery-treated turquoise a natural gemstone?
Examination of numerous samples known to be treated by this process revealed that Zachery-treated turquoise has gemological properties that are similar to those of untreated natural turquoise, and that the treatment does not involve impregnation with a polymer.

What is Zachary treatment?
The Zachery treatment is an exclusive process for treating turquoise. Gems that undergo this process receive several benefits. They are more resistant to discoloration, take a better polish, and can have better color.
Is Sleeping Beauty turquoise treated?
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Treatment Some specimens of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise may undergo treatment through the Zachary Process. This treatment improves the stability of the stone and improves its appearance. It does not change the properties of the stone. It is a stable treatment and requires no special care.
What is impregnated turquoise?
Turquoise is usually impregnated with acrylic polymer or epoxy resin for stabilization in addition to the dyeing process to change its color. This is the first time we have encountered turquoise that was dyed and impregnated with three components.
How do you treat turquoise stone?
Waxing and Oiling The oldest method of treating turquoise is by using oil, animal fat, or wax to bring out the color and also protect it from the elements. These methods are still used today and do no harm to the stone.
Why is Sleeping Beauty turquoise so expensive?
In 2012, the Sleeping Beauty mine closed and sent prices skyrocketing (not because the mine was spent, but because the copper mine that owned the mining concession sold the mine, and its new owner decided not to pursue the turquoise mining operation, according to Foutz). Buyers used to pay $10 per ct.
How can you tell if Sleeping Beauty is turquoise?
0:251:21Everything You Need to Know - Sleeping Beauty TurquoiseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a robin's egg. And this is Sleeping Beauty turquoise. And that's the color that makes it soMoreThis is a robin's egg. And this is Sleeping Beauty turquoise. And that's the color that makes it so special it. Also is limited veining. So instead of looking like this. It.
What is the Zachary process?
The Zachary process is one of many attempts to improve the duration of the mineral and seal its color more solidly. While the process may not use initially gemstone-quality turquoise, the result, according to proponents, is a more brilliant and better-wearing stone that will hold its color and luster longer.
Can you put turquoise in oil?
Turquoise is a very porous gemstone. Natural material can easily absorb body oil, soaps, lotions, or other substances and discolor. It will usually turn a brownish green from blue.
What does stabilized mean in gemstones?
A gemstone is considered stabilized when a colorless bonding agent (commonly plastic) is used to give a porous gemstone added durability and improve its appearance. For information about specific gemstone materials, see our Gem Notes information section.
What's the difference between treated and untreated turquoise?
Without treatment, most turquoise will absorb chemicals from its environment and change to a greenish color over the years, owing to the porous nature of the gem. Nevada turquoise is generally higher quality and often a much lower percentage of the mine production requires treatment.
What happens if you get turquoise wet?
Can you shower with a turquoise jewel? As mentioned before, water and humidity are not recommended. This mineral from dry and arid environments will absorb liquids and chemical products (water, soap, cream, ...) and the colour will be altered.
Can I shower with turquoise?
Like many gemstones, keep turquoise away from heat, chemicals such as perfumes, cosmetics and oils. As turquoise is porous it is important to keep it away from any lotions, alcohol, perfume hair spray or other cosmetics and never wear your turquoise jewelry in the shower, hot tubs or swimming.
What is the Zachery treatment?
The Identification of Zachery-Treated Turquoise. Over the last 10 years, millions of carats of turquoise have been enhanced by a proprietary process called the Zachery treatment. Tests show that this process effectively improves a stone’s ability to take a good polish and may or may not improve a stone’s color.
How does Zachery treat turquoise?
Over the last 10 years, millions of carats of turquoise have been enhanced by a proprietary process called the Zachery treatment. Tests show that this process effectively improves a stone’s ability to take a good polish and may or may not improve a stone’s color. It also decreases the material’s porosity, limiting its tendency to absorb discoloring agents such as skin oils. Examination of numerous samples known to be treated by this process revealed that Zachery-treated turquoise has gemological properties that are similar to those of untreated natural turquoise, and that the treatment does not involve impregnation with a polymer. Most Zachery-treated turquoise can be identified only through chemical analysis—most efficiently, by EDXRF spectroscopy—as it contains significantly more potassium than its untreated counterpart.
Why is Zachery treated turquoise?
Because it doesn't harden the stone, or subject it to pressure, the stones are closer to their natural state. In fact, Zachery-processed turquoise has similar gemological properties to untreated turquoise. To understand more about the process, you can read The Identification of Zachery Treated Turquoise.
Who bought the turquoise treatment?
In 1987, a man named Sterling, who is a turquoise trader from Arizona, purchased the recipe of the Zachery treatment process from James E. Zachery. We interviewed him about the process. According to Sterling, he never intended to patent ...
How to treat turquoise?
People have treated turquoise for centuries using different treatment methods. Waxes and oils used to be the favorite method for improving its appearance. Stabilized turquoise is the contemporary version of waxing. Specialists soak the stones in resin or liquid plastic to help harden them.
Is Zachery turquoise natural?
Most turquoise on the market has been treated in some way. But Zachery-processed turquoise is more natural than stabilized turquoise.
Is Toqos turquoise treated?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, about 10% of the Toqos jewelry were Zachery treated. Especially some of the blue turquoise stones in our earrings, are treated with the Zachery process. As natural blue turquoise will turn green after absorbing oil and sweat from wear.
Does Zachery treated turquoise depreciate?
It's the closest you'll get to the real thing. Zachery treated turquoise does not depreciate in value. Instead, the color of the turquoise is more long lasting and therefore helps it to stay in its original natural state.
What are the treatments for amber?
Common treatments for amber include heat treatment, dye, and reconstitution. Coatings and fracture fillings are less common. Heat treatments darken the color and leave “sun spots.”. These spots appear like glitter within the stone. The fracture spots in this piece of amber are evidence of heat treatment.
What is the best treatment for pearls?
Pearl. The most common gemstone treatments for pearls are bleaching and dyeing. Most pearls also undergo maeshori heat treatment to enhance their luster and a gentle polishing to coat them with wax. Some pearls may also undergo non-routine treatments.
How long have humans treated gemstones?
Common Gemstone Treatments Cheat Sheet. Humans have treated gemstones for thousands of years. Much of the gem material currently on the market has been treated in some way before it reaches the consumer.
Can diamonds be treated?
However, if you purchase a diamond, send it to a gemological laboratory to catch any possible treatments. Diamonds may receive laser drilling, high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT), coatings, fillings, and radiation treatments.
What is the Zachery Enhancement Method?
The first and most famous is the Zachery Enhancement Method, which is named after James Zachery, an electrical engineer and turquoise lover. The process involves soaking the turquoise in a proprietary chemical along with a charge of electric current. The resulting turquoise is left with slightly more potassium.
What is the best treatment for turquoise?
Turquoise Treated with Fat, Oil and Wax. The idea is that fat, oil, and wax acts as a security layer around the turquoise to avoid materials from entering their pores. Fat/oil are the earliest forms of turquoise treatment. For centuries, animal fats and mineral oils were widely used.
What is sclerotherapy used for?
Sclerotherapy is also used to treat some other conditions, including: Malformed lymph vessels.
When to use sclerotomy?
Sclerotherapy may be used when other treatments fail. Hemorrhoids occur when blood vessels, surrounding the rectum, swell and become irritated, causing pain and making bowel movements uncomfortable. Hydroceles. Trusted Source. .
