Turquoise

Name:

It is said that the word derives from the 13th century when people mistakenly believed that the stone came from Turkey. Another source for the name could be the Persian name for the gem ‘Firouze’, where the stone has been available for thousands of years.

Description:

Turquoise has long been prized for its intense colour, which varies from sky-blue to green, depending on the quantities of iron and copper in the stone.

Gemmological Characteristics:

Turquoise is an opaque to semi-translucent and is fairly porous. Chemically, it is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium that is formed by the percolation of meteoric or groundwater through aluminous rock. It is a medium hard stone on 6 in Moh’s scale.

Holistic Properties:

Helps the absorption of nutrients and aids in tissue regeneration. A powerful protector against all pollutants.

Gem Folklore:

The ancient Greeks thought the stone warded off the wearer against evil by changing colour. More recently in Europe rings with Turquoise are given as forget-me-nots.

Sourcing:

For thousands of years Turquoise has been found in Persia, although now it is also found in the US, Mexico, Australia, Tibet, Russia and Chile.

History:

Turquoise is one of the oldest gems known to man. The Egyptians were mining Turquoise in 3200BC in the Sinai, whilst Tibetans carved it into ritual objects. Moctezuma’s in Mexico treasure includes a fantastic collection of Turquoise, which was a gem reserved for the gods.

Zodiac & Birthstone:

Zodiac: Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Month: December
Hour: 5am