African turquoise is actually a form of naturally occuring jasper mined in several regions of Africa. Ranging in hue from blue-greens and teals to pale green, mottled and speckled with reds and blacks, these are visually interesting stones. As a form of jasper, African turquoise has better durability than traditional forms of turquoise. These smooth chips of bead vary slightly in size and shape.
Semi-precious stone beads are mined all over the world and then are usually cut in China. They will often be dyed or color-treated to enhance their appearance. We select the best quality semi-precious that is available, and try to avoid finishes that are not durable. It is best to assume that some semi-precious beads will fade over time.