Turquoise is a gemstone with a storied past that stretches back thousands of years, making it one of the most culturally significant and historically rich birthstones. As the traditional December birthstone, turquoise has captured the imagination of cultures across the globe, from the ancient Egyptians to Native American tribes, and continues to be treasured in modern jewelry and symbolic traditions. Known for its striking blue-to-green hues, this opaque to semi-translucent gem is not just a symbol of beauty but also one of spiritual power and protection. This article explores the geological origins, historical significance, symbolic meanings, and care instructions for turquoise, drawing on a wealth of expert insights and historical accounts.
Turquoise has long been revered for its captivating colors and its perceived protective qualities. The gem’s name, derived from the French pierre tourques—meaning “Turkish stone”—reflects its early introduction to Europe via Turkish traders in the 13th century. However, its use as a gemstone predates this by millennia. In fact, the oldest known turquoise artifacts were discovered in burial sites in western Iran, dating back to 7000 BCE. The ancient Egyptians, who referred to turquoise as mefkat—a term meaning “joy” and “delight”—believed it brought good fortune and were among the first to carve and set the gem into jewelry and amulets. Turquoise was also associated with the goddess Hathor, often called the “lady of turquoise,” and was considered a sacred stone that symbolized fertility, joy, and protection in battle.
In the United States, turquoise became an integral part of Native American culture, especially among the Apache, Pueblo, and Hopi tribes. These communities used turquoise in ceremonies, as a medium of trade, and as a material for crafting jewelry and amulets. The Apache believed that following a rainbow to its end would lead one to turquoise, while the Pueblo thought its color came from the sky itself. The Hopi attributed the gem’s formation to lizards scurrying across the earth. These cultural beliefs underscore the deep spiritual connection many Indigenous peoples have with the gemstone, viewing it not only as a symbol of beauty but also as a source of power and guidance.
History and Lore
Turquoise's historical use spans a wide range of cultures and civilizations, reflecting its universal appeal and symbolic importance. The gemstone's presence in burial sites and ceremonial artifacts from as early as 7000 BCE in western Iran suggests that it was highly valued even in prehistoric times. By 5500 BCE, the ancient Egyptians had already begun mining turquoise in the Sinai region, where it was incorporated into jewelry, amulets, and other decorative items. Pharaohs and other Egyptian rulers adorned themselves with turquoise, believing it to be a protective stone that brought health and good fortune.
The turquoise birthstone was also believed to have the power to break into pieces at the approach of disaster, offering the wearer a warning of impending danger. From the 13th century onward, it was commonly believed in Europe that turquoise could protect the wearer from falling, especially off horses. Hindu mystics added to the gem's mystique by claiming that seeing a turquoise stone after observing the new moon ensured great wealth. These diverse beliefs across cultures highlight the gemstone's enduring spiritual and protective qualities.
In the Americas, turquoise became a central element in Native American culture. It was not only used for personal adornment but also as a medium of exchange and in ceremonial contexts. The Apache believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, and they also thought that attaching the stone to a bow or firearm improved the accuracy of the shooter. The Pueblo people believed that the color of turquoise came from the sky, while the Hopi saw the gem as a product of lizards moving across the earth. These varied interpretations reflect the deep spiritual significance of turquoise in Native American traditions.
In more modern times, turquoise has continued to hold symbolic value. It is associated with the 11th wedding anniversary and is often given as a token of enduring friendship or love. In European tradition, the gift of a turquoise ring signifies "forget me not," while in Tibet, turquoise is considered a national treasure believed to bring health, good fortune, and protection from evil. The gemstone’s enduring legacy is also evident in the jewelry of modern royalty, such as Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, who wore a famous amethyst and turquoise necklace crafted by Cartier.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a unique gemstone formed through a complex geological process involving copper, aluminum, phosphorus, and water. Chemically, it is classified as copper aluminum phosphate, with the formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. Its formation occurs when rainwater or melted snow percolates through copper ore deposits, particularly those known as copper porphyry. The acidic water created by this process reacts with copper sulfides in the ore, forming a solution that carries copper. This solution then interacts with aluminum and potassium in surrounding rocks, leading to the precipitation of turquoise in cavities within weathered volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
The gemstone is typically found in arid regions where such geological conditions are prevalent. One of the oldest and most renowned sources of turquoise is Iran, where the Nishapur district has been a center of turquoise mining for over a millennium. The intense blue turquoise from this region, known as “robin’s egg blue,” “sky blue,” and “Persian blue,” is highly prized in the gemstone trade. In ancient China, turquoise was carved into intricate designs over 3,000 years ago, and in Egypt, it was mined in the Sinai region as early as 5500 BCE. Other notable sources of turquoise include the United States (particularly in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico), Mexico, the Middle East, Kazakhstan, and China.
The color of turquoise can vary significantly depending on the mineral content and environmental factors. Copper imparts a blue hue, while the presence of iron results in a greener tone. Zinc, on the other hand, can give the stone a yellowish tint. The gemstone is also known for its matrix patterns, which are the remnants of the rock in which it formed. These matrix veins can range from subtle to highly visible and are often considered an integral part of the stone’s aesthetic appeal.
Despite its beauty, turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. This makes it more susceptible to scratches and damage compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. Additionally, turquoise is porous and can absorb oils, lotions, and other substances, which can cause discoloration over time. As a result, turquoise often undergoes treatments such as stabilization with waxes or resins to improve its durability and color consistency.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gemstone that is prized for its vivid blue to green hues. Its chemical composition, as mentioned earlier, is copper aluminum phosphate, and it is often found in a hydrated form. The gemstone’s color is primarily influenced by the presence of copper, which gives it a blue tone, and iron, which can produce a greener shade. The presence of zinc can also contribute a yellowish hue, making the color of turquoise highly variable.
In terms of hardness, turquoise ranks between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively soft compared to other gemstones. This softness means that turquoise is more prone to scratches and damage, especially from abrasive surfaces or harsh chemicals. Additionally, turquoise is a porous stone, which allows it to absorb oils, lotions, and other substances, potentially leading to discoloration. For this reason, turquoise is often stabilized using waxes, resins, or other treatments to enhance its durability and color consistency.
The gemstone’s refractive index is approximately 1.60–1.65, and it has a specific gravity of 2.60–2.85. These properties contribute to its distinctive appearance and make it easily identifiable under gemological analysis. The presence of matrix veins—remnants of the rock in which the turquoise formed—is a common feature and can add to the stone’s visual appeal.
One of the most sought-after colors of turquoise is “robin’s egg blue,” a term that originated from the Persian mines and is now used to describe intensely blue turquoise regardless of its source. Other highly valued colors include “sky blue” and “Persian blue.” The presence of these vivid colors is one of the reasons turquoise has remained a popular gemstone for centuries.
Despite its beauty, turquoise requires special care due to its softness and porosity. Exposure to direct sunlight, harsh chemicals, and body oils can cause the stone to fade or discolor over time. As a result, turquoise is often recommended for use in earrings, pendants, or other jewelry that is less likely to be exposed to abrasive conditions. It is not typically recommended for use in rings or other high-wear pieces due to the risk of damage.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, turquoise has been associated with a wide range of symbolic and metaphysical beliefs. In ancient Egypt, it was considered a sacred stone that brought good fortune, joy, and protection. The pharaohs and other rulers adorned themselves with turquoise, believing it to be a powerful amulet that could ward off evil and bring prosperity. The gemstone was also associated with the goddess Hathor, who was often depicted with turquoise elements in her jewelry and adornments.
In Native American traditions, turquoise is regarded as a sacred stone with deep spiritual significance. The Apache believed that the gem could be found by following a rainbow to its end and that attaching it to a bow or firearm improved the accuracy of the shooter. The Pueblo people believed that the color of turquoise came from the sky, while the Hopi thought it was formed by lizards scurrying over the earth. These diverse beliefs highlight the deep spiritual connection many Indigenous peoples have with the gemstone.
In European tradition, the gift of a turquoise ring signifies “forget me not,” a symbol of enduring love and remembrance. In Tibet, turquoise is considered a national treasure and is believed to bring health, good fortune, and protection from evil. It is also thought to impart peace to those who wear it, making it a popular choice for both personal adornment and spiritual use.
In addition to its cultural and symbolic significance, turquoise has also been used in various metaphysical practices. It is believed to have calming properties and is often used in meditation and healing practices. Some people believe that turquoise can enhance communication and self-expression, making it a popular gemstone for those who are seeking to improve their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently.
Care and Cleaning
Given its relatively soft and porous nature, turquoise requires special care to maintain its beauty and longevity. Exposure to direct sunlight, harsh chemicals, and body oils can cause the stone to fade or discolor over time. It is also susceptible to scratches and damage, making it more suitable for jewelry that is worn less frequently, such as earrings, pendants, or brooches.
To clean turquoise jewelry, it is recommended to use a gentle solution of warm water and mild dish soap. The jewelry should be soaked in this solution for a few minutes before being gently wiped with a soft cloth. It is important to avoid using steam cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or harsh abrasives, as these can damage the stone. Additionally, it is best to avoid exposing turquoise to perfumes, lotions, and other chemical substances, as these can cause discoloration.
When storing turquoise jewelry, it is advisable to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Storing the jewelry in a soft cloth or a sealed bag can help prevent scratches and exposure to environmental elements. It is also recommended to remove turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that may cause physical contact or exposure to harsh chemicals.
Because of its softness and fragility, turquoise is not typically recommended for use in rings or other high-wear jewelry. Instead, it is best suited for pieces that are worn less frequently and are less likely to be subjected to abrasive conditions. By following these care and cleaning guidelines, turquoise can be preserved for generations, allowing its beauty and symbolic significance to endure.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a gemstone with a rich and enduring legacy, cherished for its beauty, symbolism, and cultural significance. As the traditional December birthstone, it has been treasured by civilizations across the globe for thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians, who believed it brought joy and protection, to Native American tribes, who incorporated it into their spiritual and ceremonial practices, turquoise has played a significant role in human history.
The gemstone’s geological formation, vibrant colors, and unique properties make it a fascinating subject for gemologists and collectors alike. Its softness and porosity require special care, but with proper handling and maintenance, turquoise can be enjoyed for generations. Whether used in jewelry, as a decorative object, or as a symbol of protection and good fortune, turquoise continues to captivate and inspire.
As a birthstone, turquoise carries with it a legacy of ancient wisdom and cultural significance. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its beauty but also in the deep connections it has formed with people across time and place. For those born in December, turquoise is more than just a gemstone—it is a symbol of heritage, tradition, and timeless elegance.