TURQUOISE

Turquoise is an opaque, beautiful blue-to-green mineral that has been valued for its color and rarity for millennia. It is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O and a Mohs hardness of 5 - 6. Turquoise is most commonly formed as veins within cracks and fissures, but is less frequently found as nodules, as well. The American Southwest is currently the most important producer of turquoise by value.

TURQUOISE HISTORY AND MINING

Since ancient times, many cultures around the world have admired the beautifully distinct coloration of turquoise. The earliest evidence of turquoise being used as a gemstone is found within ancient Egyptian tombs, which have been discovered to contain elaborate turquoise jewelry, some of it dating back to roughly 3000 BCE. During this time, Egyptian crafters would set turquoise in gold necklaces and rings, as well as use the material as an inlay and carve it into scarab beetles. Most notably, King Tut’s iconic burial mask was extravagantly adorned with turquoise inlay, as well as other fine stones, such as Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, Carnelian, and Obsidian. The oldest turquoise mines are located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. One of these mines sat near an ancient temple that had been dedicated to Hathor, the Greek goddess of Love and joy, who was worshiped as a protector in the desert and had been considered the patron saint of mining. Egyptians called turquoise mefkat, which meant “joy” and “delight.”

Later, the Persian Empire was found to have decorated extensively with the use of turquoise, often engraving the material with Arabic script. During this time, turquoise covered the ceilings of palace domes, with its sky-blue color being a considered a direct representation of heaven. This correlation later inspired the use of turquoise in certain famed buildings, most notably, the Taj Mahal. Additionally, it has been documented that Persians would often adorn their daggers and horse bridles with the material, believing that turquoise guaranteed protection and victory when in battle.

Later yet, during the 13th century, Turkish traders introduced the “Persian blue” stone to Europe via the Silk Road, and in doing so influenced the gemstone’s namesake. Although sometimes debated, the word turquoise is widely considered to be a 17th century adaptation from the French turquois, meaning 'Turkish', which is an allusion to the minerals first access to Europe through Turkey, where it was specifically brought in from the historical mines of the Khorasan province of Iran (Persia), as well as Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, pre-Columbian Native Americans mined turquoise throughout much of the present-day southwestern United States, where it is said that it was used by shamans during sacred ceremonies in order to communicate with the great spirit of the sky. Turquoise became incredibly valuable in Native American trade, with evidence suggesting its widespread use across much of the North American continent and even into parts of South America. As a consequence of its widespread trade, the Aztec Empire went on to cherish turquoise for its protective power and often used it as an inlay within ceremonial masks, knives, and shields.

While many historic turquoise deposits have depleted over the gemstone’s famed lifetime, some small mining operations still produce fine quality material today. Primary sources for high quality turquoise include the Sleeping Beauty Mine and the Kingman Mine in Arizona, USA; as well as several other small scale mining operations that persist in Royston, Nevada; Tyrone, New Mexico; and Manassa, Colorado.

TURQUOISE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, turquoise is considered a powerful stone of the Throat and Third Eye Chakras. It is said that turquoise has the ability to bring about good fortune and peace through positive thought processes and manifestation techniques. Turquoise is also said to be an exciting stone of change, allowing for strong relationships and friendships to develop out of newly found personal empowerment. Additionally, and historically, turquoise is considered a stone of strength, wisdom, and protection against negative energies.

Physically, turquoise is said to help neutralize over-acidity, stimulate white blood cell development, increase muscular strength and flexibility, and soothe gastro-intestinal disorders. Turquoise is also said to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the joints.