Turquoise, the captivating blue-to-green gemstone, holds a prominent place in human history and adorns the list of December birthstones. Revered for its vibrant color and perceived protective qualities, turquoise has been cherished for millennia, appearing in the adornments of pharaohs, the artistry of ancient China, and the spiritual practices of Native American tribes. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological characteristics, and cultural significance of this remarkable gem, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The story of turquoise is deeply interwoven with the cultures that have prized it throughout history. The gem’s name itself originates from the French expression pierre tourques, meaning “Turkish stone,” a reflection of the fact that the mineral likely first arrived in Europe via Turkish trade routes as early as the thirteenth century. However, its use predates this European introduction by thousands of years.
Ancient Egyptians held turquoise in high esteem, referring to it as “mafkat,” a word also signifying “joy” and “delight.” The stone was prominently featured in the funerary mask of King Tut, demonstrating its importance in royal adornment and likely its association with the afterlife. Similarly, Chinese artisans were carving turquoise more than 3,000 years ago, indicating its early appreciation in the East.
Turquoise also occupies a central role in the traditions of Native American tribes, particularly those in the southwestern United States. It served not only as a beautiful material for jewelry and amulets but also as a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange. The Apaches believed that incorporating turquoise into bows or firearms would enhance a hunter’s or warrior’s accuracy. Other tribes, like the Pueblo and Hopi, attributed spiritual significance to the gem, connecting its hue to the sky and believing it was created by natural forces. The Apache also had a unique method of locating turquoise, believing it could be found by following a rainbow to its end.
Beyond its practical and spiritual uses, turquoise was often believed to possess protective powers. From the thirteenth century onward, it was thought to safeguard wearers from falls, particularly from horses, and to shatter as a warning of impending disaster. Hindu mystics believed that viewing turquoise after beholding the new moon would bring immense wealth. Even more recently, in Tibet, turquoise is considered the national gem, believed to ward off evil and ensure good health and fortune.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a relatively rare gemstone, forming in specific geological environments. It originates in dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater interacts with minerals containing phosphorus and aluminum. This sedimentary process results in a porous, semi-translucent to opaque compound of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate. While it is categorized as a colored stone, it lacks the brilliance and clarity of gems like ruby or diamond.
Historically, turquoise sources included regions such as Iran, Egypt, and China. However, the most significant and permanent market for turquoise remains in the American Southwest. The United States is now a major source of the gem, with notable mines producing distinctive varieties. One such example is “Sleeping Beauty” turquoise, named after the mountain range in Arizona where it is mined, which is said to resemble a sleeping woman.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise is characterized by its unique chemical composition: copper aluminum phosphate. Its color ranges from dull greens to vibrant sky blues, with the intensity of the blue often linked to the presence of copper. Green hues are attributed to the presence of iron. A defining feature of many turquoise specimens is the presence of matrix – remnants of the host rock that create veined patterns in black, brown, silver, or gold. While some value stones with no matrix, those with attractive “Spider Web” matrix patterns are also highly sought after.
Turquoise is an opaque gemstone, ranging from semi-opaque to fully opaque. It is never transparent like glass. The quality of turquoise is often assessed based on its color, clarity, and the presence of matrix. Stones with uniform, vivid color are generally considered more valuable, though personal preference plays a role. The highest value is typically assigned to stones with no matrix, followed by those with attractive Spider Web patterns.
While the sources do not provide specific details on hardness or other gemological properties, they do indicate that turquoise can be scratched by a fingernail, suggesting a relatively softer composition compared to other gemstones. This characteristic is sometimes used as a simple test to distinguish genuine turquoise from imitations like howlite.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, turquoise has been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. Beyond its association with good fortune, health, and protection, the gem has been linked to concepts of happiness, self-confidence, and the elimination of negative energy. Its brightness is believed to symbolize joy and uplift the spirit.
For Native American cultures, turquoise represented a connection between heaven and earth, embodying spiritual power and healing properties. The gem was used in rituals and ceremonies, and its presence in jewelry was believed to offer protection and guidance. In Tibet, turquoise continues to be revered as a sacred stone, safeguarding against evil and promoting well-being.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for turquoise. However, given its relatively softer composition and porous nature, gentle handling and cleaning are advisable.
Conclusion
Turquoise stands as a testament to the enduring allure of gemstones and their profound connection to human history and culture. From the tombs of ancient Egypt to the artistry of Native American tribes, this captivating blue-to-green gem has been cherished for its beauty, perceived protective qualities, and symbolic significance. As a December birthstone, turquoise continues to resonate with those born in that month, offering a tangible link to a rich and fascinating past. Its unique geological formation, combined with its vibrant color and cultural importance, ensures that turquoise will remain a treasured gem for generations to come.