What color marking is created by the sandstone matrix in turquoise?

In turquoise, the color marking created by the sandstone matrix typically appears in a green hue. This is because the presence of iron within the matrix can impart a greenish coloration, which interacts with the inherent blue of the turquoise itself. The combination of these colors often results in a beautiful array of greens, contributing to the stone's overall aesthetic appeal.

The interaction of the matrix with the turquoise crystal structure is significant for gemological evaluation, as it can influence the value and perceived quality of the stone. The presence of color markings, such as green due to the sandstone matrix, is a distinctive feature in identifying and evaluating turquoise specimens. Understanding this characteristic helps in distinguishing genuine turquoise from imitations, which might not show such interactions with a natural matrix.