Turquoise holds a prominent place in the world of gemstones, revered for its captivating blue-green color and rich history. Designated as the primary birthstone for December, this opaque mineral has been cherished for millennia, symbolizing protection, healing, and a connection to nature. From ancient Egyptian pharaohs to Native American tribes and modern jewelry enthusiasts, turquoise has consistently captivated cultures across the globe. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, cultural significance, and care of this remarkable gemstone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The story of turquoise stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence indicates its use as early as 3000 BCE in ancient Egypt, where it was skillfully incorporated into gold necklaces and rings, often carved into the shape of a scarab beetle. These scarabs held deep symbolic meaning, associated with the morning sun and the god Khepri, representing rebirth and renewal.
The gemstone’s historical significance extends to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), where turquoise was prominently featured in palace domes, its blue hue mirroring the heavens. Persians believed the stone offered protection, even claiming it would change color to warn the wearer of impending danger, leading to its inclusion in dagger handles and ornate jewelry. This belief in its protective qualities is a recurring theme throughout turquoise’s history.
In the southwestern United States, turquoise held a special place in the cultures of Native American tribes. The Apache believed following a rainbow would lead to turquoise deposits and that incorporating the stone into bows or firearms would enhance accuracy. The Pueblo people associated its color with the sky, while the Hopi attributed its formation to lizards scurrying across the earth. Turquoise jewelry gained widespread popularity in North America in the 1880s, sparked by a Navajo craftsman who creatively set a piece of turquoise within a silver coin, establishing a style still prevalent today.
Beyond its practical and symbolic uses, turquoise has also been imbued with romantic meaning. In European tradition, gifting a turquoise ring signified “forget me not,” while in Tibet, it is considered a national treasure believed to bestow health, good fortune, and protection from evil. The stone is also traditionally associated with the 11th wedding anniversary. Notably, turquoise has adorned items belonging to royalty, including a striking amethyst and turquoise necklace worn by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor.
Geological Formation and Sources
Geologists define turquoise as a copper aluminum phosphate. Its formation occurs in semi-arid and dry environments where water tables are present, and rock is abundant. The gemstone is created when chemicals seep from surrounding rocks through rainwater and groundwater, resulting in the formation of these blue and green crystals. The presence of copper is responsible for turquoise’s renowned sky-blue hue, while iron contributes to its green coloration.
Turquoise is mined in various locations worldwide, with some regions holding particular historical and geological significance. Iran, specifically the Nishapur district, has been a source of turquoise for over 1,000 years. The turquoise from this region is highly prized for its even, intense blue color, often described as “robin’s egg blue,” “sky blue,” or “Persian blue.” These terms are now used by trade professionals to denote turquoise of this specific color, regardless of its origin.
Egypt also boasts ancient turquoise mines, located in the Sinai Desert, which were utilized by the pharaohs. More recently, the United States has become a significant source, with notable deposits found in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Each region yields turquoise with unique characteristics, varying in color and pattern.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise is an opaque gemstone, meaning light cannot pass through it. Its color ranges from a brilliant blue to green, often exhibiting a veined appearance due to the remnants of the host rock from which it originated. These veins can be black, silver, tan, or gold.
On the Mohs hardness scale, turquoise ranks between 5 and 6, making it a relatively soft gemstone. This fragility makes it susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear, as well as from cosmetics, perfumes, and natural oils. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can also negatively impact its appearance. Due to its softness, it is often recommended to be worn as earrings or pendants rather than in rings.
Cleaning turquoise requires gentle care. It should be cleaned with warm water and mild dish soap, and steam or ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, turquoise has been attributed with a wide range of symbolic meanings and metaphysical properties. It is widely regarded as a stone of protection, believed to ward off negative energy and offer safeguarding to the wearer. Beyond protection, turquoise is associated with wisdom, luck, and a deep connection to nature.
In Tibetan culture, turquoise is believed to impart peace and is considered a symbol of good fortune. The Apache believed it improved accuracy when incorporated into bows or firearms, while other Native American tribes linked its color to the sky and the earth. The European tradition of gifting a turquoise ring as a token of remembrance further underscores its symbolic weight.
Care and Cleaning
Given its relatively low hardness, turquoise requires careful handling and maintenance. It is susceptible to damage from impacts, scratches, and exposure to certain chemicals. To preserve its beauty, it is advisable to avoid wearing turquoise jewelry during activities that could cause abrasion or contact with harsh substances.
Cleaning should be performed gently with warm water and mild dish soap. Avoid using steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive cleaning agents, as these can damage the stone. It is also recommended to store turquoise jewelry separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching. Wearing turquoise as earrings or pendants minimizes its exposure to wear and tear compared to rings.
Conclusion
Turquoise, the December birthstone, is a gemstone steeped in history, symbolism, and captivating beauty. From its ancient origins in Egypt and Persia to its significance in Native American cultures and its enduring appeal in modern jewelry, turquoise has consistently held a special place in the human imagination. Its unique blue-green hues, coupled with its perceived protective and healing properties, continue to make it a cherished gemstone for those born in December and for anyone drawn to its timeless allure. Its relative softness necessitates careful handling, but the rewards of owning and wearing this remarkable stone are immeasurable.