Actually, Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and so well-known for its blue-green tones as well as historic values. For thousands of years, cultures have admired the semi-precious stone for jewelry and, more importantly, use it in amulets as a protector against many evils, including bad fortune and lack of wisdom. In this article, I will detail all about turquoise, types found, benefits of wearing it, and its care tips to give a complete understanding of the fascinating stone.
Table of Content:
- Introduction to the Turquoise Stone
- History of Turquoise
- What is the Turquoise Gemstone?
- Type of Turquoise Gem
- How to Distinguish Natural Turquoise
- How to Care for Turquoise Jewelry
- Popular Turquoise Stones
- How to Buy Turquoise Gemstones
- Conclusion
Introduction to the Turquoise Stone
While several ancient stones capture imagination for a long time, turquoise is a hallmark of beauty and spiritual significance. Known for its specific appearance, this stone symbolizes one of the most precious stones for humankind. Starting from ancient Egypt and Persia, the earliest stages where this stone was used for ornamentation purposes, to the Native American cultures, this stone was used not only as an ornament but also for other purposes like protection and even spiritual activities.
Turquoise has sky blue and greenish-blue colors streaked with brown or black, referred to as “matrix.” The color can vary according to the origin of stone and minerals present in the formation.
History of Turquoise
Turquoise has been very significant in history for over 5,000 years. The earliest mining of turquoise was done by the ancient Egyptians. They had used the turquoise both in ornamentations and jewelry. Even in evidence of the earlier value, the famous funeral mask of Tutankhamun contains some inlays of turquoise.
- Persia (Present-day Iran): Persian turquoise is the finest turquoise quality in existence today. Turquoise was one of the amulets believed to repel unnatural death in ancient Persia.
- Native American cultures: For years, Native American tribes on the North American continent have used turquoise in their art and spiritual life. Turquoise was considered a protection stone and is used for making jewelry and other ceremonial items.
- China: China has always revered turquoise due to its calming effects and for being the gemstone that fortifies good luck and prosperity.
What is the Turquoise Gemstone?
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium formed in arid regions where the water table interacts with minerals rich in copper. It is this interaction that gives turquoise its typical blue and green color. Stone colors may range from pale blue to greenish blue depending on the presence of different minerals like iron or copper.
Turquoise is between 5 and 6 in the Mohs hardness scale, hence relatively soft. It is soft but has widely been used in making jewelry due to its beauty and cultural value.
Type of Turquoise Gem
Turquoise will vary with quality and appearance depending on where it is mined. Below are some of the common types of turquoise gemstones.
Persian Turquoise
Persian turquoise, mined in modern Iran, is a fine example of a turquoise that is sky blue and has no matrix. It is one of the finest qualities of turquoise available in terms of having colors that are very vivid and even.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Sleeping Beauty turquoise-hails from Arizona, USA with bright blue color and less matrix. The name originates from the Sleeping Beauty Mountain, which is in Arizona. It is mined from this area. It occurs from this region in the USA.
Kingman Turquoise
Kingman turquoise is another from Arizona but has an intense blue color since it may contain black and brown matrix. This mine is one of the oldest known, and still, it is operational to date, producing very beautiful turquoise stones.
Tibetan Turquoise
This can be quite easily differentiated because of its greenish-blue color with a marked-out black or brown matrix. For many years, Tibetan and Nepalese jewelry have used turquoise. It is believed to confer protection and spiritual qualities to the wearer.
Chinese Turquoise
China has been a major turquoise producer for some decades. The quality of Chinese turquoise varies very much. Stones come in bright blue, while others exhibit greenness and patterns of the matrix.
How to Distinguish Natural Turquoise
Because turquoise is so popular, it is often imitated or enhanced by various treatments. Let’s learn how to distinguish natural turquoise stones from enhanced or fake ones. Here are some recommendations:
Look for Natural Imperfections
A natural turquoise is marked by tiny imperfections, such as veins and color shifts or matrix. If a turquoise stone seems too flawless, it might probably be synthetic or treated.
Scratch Test
Since turquoise is a relatively soft stone, authentic turquoise can be scratched using a copper penny or a fingernail. This test, however, should only be done very carefully and only if it absolutely has to because it may potentially damage the stone.
Color Changes
Natural turquoise will darken some in color over time due to exposure to oils in the skin or other environmental exposures. Simulated turquoise may be a plastic or dyed stone, so it will not darken.
Request a Certificate of Authenticity
When purchasing turquoise, ALWAYS ask that a seller provide a certificate of authenticity. This ensures that you are acquiring a natural stone.
How to Care for Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is relatively a soft stone, therefore requires extra caution so it remains beautiful for decades. Here are some tips on how you should care for your turquoise jewelries:
Avoid Chemicals
Turquoise is sensitive to chemicals present in cleaning agents, perfumes, and even creams. Inevitably, remove your turquoise jewelleries prior to applying products or cleaning.
Keep Away from Heat and Sunlight
Turquoise is sensitive to heat and sunlight, which can cause it to fade or become brittle. Keep turquoise jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Clean with a Soft Cloth
To clean turquoise jewelry, use a soft, damp cloth. Many chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners can harm the stone.
Store Separately
This stone is extremely soft and may be scratched easily, so should be kept separate from other harder gemstones. Keep in a soft pouch or jewel box that won’t damage.
Popular Turquoise Stones
Many historical figures and objects have worn turquoise over the years. Below are some of the famous ones:
- The Mask of Tutankhamun: The burial mask of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh is replete with inlays of turquoise, which symbolize protection and immortality.
- Persian Crown Jewels: Turquoise is abundant in various magnificent Turkish jewels in Persian crown jewels, which may be an even greater testimony to the historical value of the stone in that region.
- Native American Jewelry: The Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes of Native American jewelry pieces are some of the most celebrated examples of turquoise’s cultural and artistic significance in the Americas.
How to Buy Turquoise Gemstones
When buying turquoise, ensure you are dealing with genuine dealers, and you know what you are taking is the real stone. Here is some advice on high-quality turquoise finding:
- Buy From Known Dealers: Buy from dealers that include with the stone and a certificate of authenticity.
- Know About the Mine: Different mines produce different qualities of turquoiseprocured. Learn about the reputation of the mine before buying.
- Stud the stone: natural flaws and color anomalies are hallmarks of a true turquoise stone
Conclusion
Turquoise is one of the historic, culturally valuable, and healing properties gemstones. Its amazing blue-green color has enchanted people over thousands of years in history, turning turquoise into an all-time and multi-purpose stone for jewelry and spiritual purposes. Whether you are attracted to turquoise because of its splendor, magical powers, or historical significance, the gemstone remains inspiring and fascinating. Understanding the kind of turquoise, its care, and its meaning in different cultures allows you to fully enjoy the real value and beauty of this ancient stone.
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