Stone history

Turquoise the blue hue is in the midst of the oldest known gemstones. Turquoise was obtained from the Sinai Peninsula before the 4th millennium BC in one of the world's first important hard-rock mining operations. Turquoise was used from the midst of 4000 BC. Turquoise was an essential ornamental mineral for jewelry and other object by the ancient Egyptians.

It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and ornamented the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans. Turquoise has been attributed with therapeutic powers as well as promoting the wearer's status and prosperity. Turquoise a very special stone indeed, is a sacred stone to many American Indian tribes has been used in various jewelry items.

Description

Turquoise hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate, which is broadly used as a gemstone. Turquoise is a derivative mineral deposited from circulating waters, and it occurs chiefly as an opaque, granular vein running through a host rock.

Color

The Turquoise color ranges from sky blue to various shades of green to greenish and yellowish gray. Turquoise is opaque with the exception of in the thinnest splinters, and has a feeble, faintly waxy luster.

Turquoise as birthstone

Turquoise is considered to be the birthstone for the zodiac sign Sagittarius (Archer): Nov. 22-Dec. 21. It’s an anniversary gem for 5th year of marriage.

Therapeutic ability

Turquoise - “The guard for against all diseases”. It assists in tissue regeneration, subtle body alignment & strengthening.

Books on Turquoise

Turquoise Mines, Mineral & Wearable Art by Mark P. Block

Explore the fascinating story of turquoise, its history from ancient times to the present, and the influence of native artists in making this gemstone part of popular culture in America. Lavishly illustrated with over 390 dazzling color images, this book shows turquoise from New Mexico to Nevada, China to Iran, and all the important localities in between, in its natural state, cut, polished and set into silver and gold jewelry. Detailed text discusses its values and many mines that have relinquished turquoise over thousands of years. This comprehensive guide introduces more information on turquoise than you have ever anticipated or seen before.