Turquoise has held a significant place in human history and culture for millennia, revered for its captivating color and believed metaphysical properties. As the traditional birthstone for December, and increasingly recognized as a stone for June alongside pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite, turquoise continues to fascinate and inspire. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological characteristics, cultural significance, and care of this remarkable gemstone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The story of turquoise is deeply interwoven with the history of mining and artistry, particularly in regions like Egypt and the American Southwest. Archaeological excavations conducted by the French in Egypt during the 19th and early 20th centuries unearthed turquoise artifacts, including those found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, sparking renewed Western interest in the stone. Its use dates back even further, with evidence of turquoise adorning the jewelry and artifacts of ancient civilizations.
In ancient Egypt, turquoise was closely associated with the goddess Hathor, the patroness of the Serabit el-Khadim mines, where the gemstone was extracted. Hathor was known by titles such as “Lady of Turquoise” and “Mistress of Turquoise Country,” highlighting the stone’s sacred status. The turquoise was also included in the breastplate of the High Priest Aaron, as described in Exodus, representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Beyond the Mediterranean world, turquoise held profound significance for pre-Columbian cultures in the Americas. Both the Aztec and Maya civilizations valued turquoise, incorporating it into their art and religious practices. Among the indigenous Zuni and Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest, turquoise remains a sacred stone, used in ceremonies and crafted into fetishes. These traditions continue to influence contemporary Native American jewelry, particularly the iconic silver and turquoise designs.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the specific geological processes involved in turquoise formation, they do indicate its origins in certain regions. Serabit el-Khadim in Egypt was a significant ancient source. Historically, Bohemia (now part of Czechoslovakia) was a major source of garnet, but today, Mozambique garnets are more popular. Turquoise is also found in the American Southwest, where it is mined and utilized by Native American artisans.
Gemological Properties
The sources provide limited detail regarding the precise gemological properties of turquoise. However, they describe its characteristic color as a “sky blue,” with mottled green and yellowish material also being popular among artisans. The stone is frequently cut en cabochon – a smooth, polished, rounded form – and is often set in silver. Lesser quality material may be carved into fetishes. The sources do not provide information on turquoise’s chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or other specific gemological data.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Throughout history, turquoise has been imbued with a variety of symbolic meanings and metaphysical beliefs. In the Middle Ages, it was thought to cure depression, prevent bad dreams, reduce liver diseases, and stop bleeding. Greek mythology associated pomegranate with love and eternity, and by extension, garnet, which resembles pomegranate seeds, became a love remedy believed to mend broken relationships.
Amethyst, another birthstone discussed in the sources, was considered an excellent remedy for many diseases in ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine utilized amethyst to treat stomach aches and bad dreams, believing it could detoxify the body and cleanse the chest area.
Alexandrite, a modern birthstone for June, is associated with heightened intuition and pleasure, though it lacks the ancient meanings attributed to other gemstones.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer practical advice on caring for garnet, a February birthstone. Garnet can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush, followed by a thorough rinse. However, steam cleaning and exposure to violent shocks, harsh temperatures, and chemicals should be avoided. No specific care instructions are provided for turquoise, amethyst, or alexandrite within the provided sources.
The Evolution of Birthstone Lists
The concept of birthstones has evolved significantly over time. The association of gemstones with the twelve tribes of Israel and the signs of the zodiac dates back to biblical times and the work of scholars like Josephus and St. Jerome. Initially, people sought to collect and wear all twelve gems throughout the year for their perceived therapeutic benefits.
The modern practice of assigning one gem to each month emerged between the 16th and 18th centuries, originating in Poland. In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers in the United States released a list of “modern birthstones,” further solidifying the current system. This has led to some variation in birthstone lists, with both “traditional” and “modern” options available, as evidenced by the differing lists for the UK and the US.
A Table of Birthstones by Month (Based on Sources)
| Month | 15th-20th Century | U.S. (1912) | UK (2013) | U.S. (2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | garnet | garnet | garnet | garnet |
| February | amethyst, hyacinth, pearl | amethyst | amethyst | amethyst |
| March | bloodstone, jasper | bloodstone, aquamarine | aquamarine, bloodstone | aquamarine, bloodstone |
| April | diamond, sapphire | diamond | diamond, rock crystal | diamond |
| May | emerald, agate | emerald | emerald, chrysoprase | emerald |
| June | cat's eye, turquoise, agate | pearl, moonstone | pearl, moonstone | pearl, moonstone, alexandrite |
| July | turquoise, onyx | ruby | ruby, carnelian | ruby |
| August | sardonyx, carnelian, moonstone, topaz | sardonyx, peridot | peridot, sardonyx | peridot, spinel, sardonyx |
| September | chrysolite | sapphire | sapphire, lapis lazuli | sapphire |
| October | opal, aquamarine | opal, tourmaline | opal | opal, tourmaline |
| November | topaz, pearl | topaz | topaz, citrine | topaz, citrine |
| December | bloodstone, ruby | turquoise, lapis lazuli | tanzanite, turquoise | turquoise, zircon, tanzanite |
Conclusion
Turquoise stands as a testament to the enduring human fascination with gemstones. From its ancient origins in Egypt and the American Southwest to its modern status as a beloved birthstone, turquoise continues to captivate with its unique color and rich cultural heritage. While the provided sources offer a glimpse into its history, symbolism, and care, further research is needed to fully understand its geological properties and the breadth of its cultural significance. The evolution of birthstone lists demonstrates the dynamic nature of these traditions, reflecting changing beliefs and aesthetic preferences over time. Turquoise, with its captivating beauty and storied past, remains a cherished gemstone for generations to come.