Glass Alchemy Turquoise rod

Description

The Glass Alchemy Turquoise rod is directly inspired by the authentic beauty of natural turquoise, a sacred stone of the Native American peoples of the Southwestern United States. This unique color combines an earthy, opaque blue-green with the exceptional ability to develop subtle organic red highlights, faithfully mimicking the natural variations of the mineral.

Designed for glass artists who seek to blend tradition and originality, Turquoise excels in solid sculpture and blown work techniques. Its color density remains consistent, close to the original rod shade before any manipulation. When blown, the color evolves into a softer, slightly milky, translucent, and opalescent version of itself. To achieve this effect, it is recommended to encapsulate it between two layers of clear glass and gently blow the piece.

At the torch, the Glass Alchemy Turquoise rod offers a creamy texture but is slightly firmer than other opaques, requiring careful handling. Excessive work on the surface when not encased can lead to undesired texture or finish. However, this characteristic also allows exploring interesting surface effects depending on the artistic intent.

To enrich the color palette, using a propane-rich reduction flame on unencapsulated Turquoise just before annealing reveals very natural red tones. These red streaks and highlights subtly mingle with the base color, creating a depth and dynamism characteristic of natural stone.

For optimal results, it is advised to work Turquoise with a neutral flame. Garage heating at 524 °C (975 °F) and annealing at 566 °C (1050 °F) ensure maximum strength and durability of your creations.

Whether you are making beads, sculptures, or blown objects, the Glass Alchemy Turquoise rod is a perfect choice to give your works a natural, organic character rich in subtle nuances. Bring timeless magic to your art with this inspired and easy-to-work color.