What is 'reconstructed turquoise' made from?

Reconstructed turquoise is composed of a mixture of small pieces of turquoise, often lower-grade or waste material, that are combined with dyes and a binding resin. This process allows for the creation of a more uniform appearance and can enhance the color, making it more visually appealing. By using dyed minerals and resin, manufacturers can produce material that resembles natural turquoise, but it is crucial to understand that it is not the same as pure natural turquoise.

The other options suggest variations of turquoise that do not accurately describe reconstructed turquoise. Pure natural turquoise is not used to create this form, as that would contradict the nature of reconstruction. Synthetic alternatives refer to man-made materials that imitate turquoise but are distinct from reconstructed turquoise, which specifically involves natural material mixed with resin. Lastly, high-grade natural turquoise would not be utilized in the creation of reconstructed turquoise since the aim is to utilize lesser quality pieces; thus, this description does not align with the practice of reconstruction.