Long-time lurker, first post. I work with turquoise and wanted to share what I look for after seeing too many people get burned by fakes:

1. Matrix pattern — real spiderweb webbing is irregular and three-dimensional. Printed or perfectly even "veins" = red flag.
   
2. Density — a pendant worn at the collarbone takes sweat and friction daily. Low-density or chalky material won't survive it.
   
3. White spots — small ones happen, but heavy white patches kill both look and durability.
   
4. The wear test — genuine high-density turquoise actually improves with skin contact. Mine has visibly deepened in color over the years.
   

Happy to answer questions — what do you all check before buying?

(Disclosure: I work with a turquoise workshop, link in profile if anyone's curious — not dropping it here to respect the rules.)

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