Gemstone treatment

Sugar-Acid Treatment

Darkened blue to black color can appear concentrated in porous zones and cracks. Surface may look unnaturally saturated.

01

What to look for

Darkened blue to black color can appear concentrated in porous zones and cracks. Surface may look unnaturally saturated.

02

What it means

Sugar-acid treatment darkens porous material by carbonizing sugar inside the structure. It is deceptive if sold as natural color.

03

Expert move

Compare color in cracks, pores, and broken edges. Suspiciously dark porous turquoise should be tested further.