Natural means the stone has never undergone any treatment, from rough to finished form. No enhancements, stabilization, or dyeing. Some natural stones can be more fragile or have weak matrix, so they're usually backed.

Turquoise is typically a porous stone. It is commonly stabilized to make it more durable and  to eliminate the absorption of oils and lotion that can change the color tones.  

The rough stone is first dried for several weeks under vacuum and heat to eliminate any moisture in the pores, then a clear (no dyes) acrylic penetrates into the pores. Only a few grams of the acrylic are absorbed per pound of turquoise. After a few weeks, the acrylic hardens and the rough stone is ready to be cut and polished. Oils, lotion, and other chemicals can no longer penetrate it. Any soft areas are hardened for better polishing. The whole process usually takes about 6 weeks to complete.

Stabilized stones are very strong and durable, also less likely to change color or be damaged during everyday wear.

Turquoise often forms in thin, irregular shaped pieces. The backing helps to build up and level the back side of the stone for cutting and mounting. 

Some thin irregular shaped stabilized material is backed, but it is more common for natural material.

The backing is a lightweight epoxy paste that  supports and strengthens the stone during cutting and when worn in jewelry. It dampens the stone from impact shock which helps prevent  fracturing.

Naturally occurring pits are small indentations or tiny voids on the surface of a stone that formed during the natural mineralization process. These are most commonly found in natural stones, but stabilized stones can have them as well. 

These pits are a natural characteristic of the material and are not  considered to be flaws, or damaged.

We carefully check our stones to ensure that  pieces with naturally occurring pits are still stable and suitable for use. However, if a stone arrives  broken or damaged, you may return it and we’ll be happy to provide a refund. Please refer to our  Return & Refund Policy for full details.

The coin used for scale to show the size of the stone is a U.S. dime (10-cent coin). A U.S. dime has a diameter of 17.91 mm.

Sorry, we do not offer custom cutting or custom orders. However, if you are looking for something specific, feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to check our inventory and see if we have a stone that fits what you’re looking for.

We don’t have a store, and our cutting shop is closed for public. All sales are conducted at gem shows in Tucson, Website, and Social Media platforms.

For the latest updates and event information, follow us on our Instagram and Facebook, or subscribe to our newsletter.

Yes, we do purchase rough materials. If you have high-quality rough materials especially turquoise, please feel free to contact us with photos and details.

No, we are not affiliated with Johnson Brothers Lapidary, and we do not sell lapidary equipment.