Turquoise is a gemstone steeped in history and cultural significance, recognized for its captivating shades of blue and its association with protection, healing, and good fortune. This opaque gem, often exhibiting a unique matrix pattern, has been cherished for millennia, finding use in adornment, ritual objects, and as a symbol of status. Notably, turquoise is identified as the birthstone for December, though its historical use extends far beyond a single month. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and cultural significance of turquoise, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
The use of turquoise dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its application in jewelry and ornamentation found in ancient civilizations. One story recounts that turquoise is “a piece of the sky that fell to earth,” reflecting its evocative color and the reverence it inspired. Native American cultures, in particular, hold a deep and enduring connection to turquoise, utilizing it extensively in their artistry and spiritual practices. Vintage Native American sterling silver pins, as exemplified by a piece described in one source, showcase the hand-cut cabochon turquoise stones set within intricate silverwork. These pins often feature multiple turquoise stones, sometimes sourced from different mines, resulting in variations in the blue hues.
Hematite, while not turquoise itself, is mentioned in relation to historical jewelry traditions. It was a staple in mourning jewelry dating back to the Middle Ages, evolving from depictions of skulls and skeletons to more commemorative pieces during the Victorian Era. This demonstrates a historical context for the use of gemstones in expressing emotion and remembrance, a practice that likely extended to turquoise as well.
Geological Formation and Sources
The sources provided do not detail the geological formation of turquoise. However, they do indicate that turquoise can originate from different mines, as evidenced by the varying shades of blue observed within a single piece of Native American jewelry. This suggests that turquoise is sourced from multiple geographical locations, each potentially contributing to unique color variations. The sources do not specify the locations of these mines.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources offer limited information regarding the specific gemological properties of turquoise. It is described as an opaque gem, often cut into cabochon shapes, as seen in the vintage Native American pin. The color is consistently noted as blue, with variations in shade. The sources do not provide details on its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or other standard gemological characteristics.
However, the sources do offer insights into the properties of other gemstones, which can provide a comparative context. For example, white gold is noted as being slightly harder than yellow gold, a detail relevant to the durability of settings used with gemstones. Similarly, the description of a diamond-cut crescent moon pattern on beads highlights the ability to facet and polish certain materials to enhance their brilliance.
A table summarizing the properties of materials mentioned in the sources is provided below:
| Material | Color | Hardness (Relative) | Transparency | Other Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Blue | Not Specified | Opaque | Often exhibits matrix patterns |
| Sterling Silver | Silver | Moderate | Opaque | Used in settings for turquoise |
| Hematite | Dark | Moderate | Opaque | Historically used in mourning jewelry |
| White Gold | Silver-White | Slightly Harder | Opaque | Used in signet rings and necklaces |
| Yellow Gold | Yellow | Moderate | Opaque | Used in ring settings |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources touch upon the symbolic significance of turquoise, referencing the belief that it represents “a piece of the sky that fell to earth.” This suggests a connection to the heavens, spirituality, and perhaps a sense of tranquility. The historical use of hematite in mourning jewelry demonstrates the attribution of symbolic meaning to gemstones, representing remembrance and grief.
The description of a mechanical hand pendant and the option for engraving further illustrates the practice of imbuing jewelry with personal meaning. Engravings can serve as mantras, reminders, or expressions of identity, transforming a piece of jewelry into a deeply personal talisman. The pendant itself, with its intricate mechanical design, suggests a fascination with craftsmanship, innovation, and the human form.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific instructions for the care and cleaning of turquoise. However, the mention of sterling silver and white gold suggests that standard jewelry cleaning practices for these metals would be applicable to pieces incorporating turquoise. Given that turquoise is relatively soft, it is likely susceptible to scratching and should be handled with care. The sources do not provide information on the stone’s cleavage or other properties that would inform specific cleaning recommendations.
Customization and Modern Applications
The sources highlight the growing trend of bespoke jewelry design. Earth + Heart Jewellery offers a fully custom design service, allowing customers to collaborate with a jeweler to create unique pieces tailored to their preferences. This service encompasses metal selection (recycled silver, 9ct, or 18ct gold), gemstone choices, and style preferences. The custom mechanical hand pendant exemplifies this trend, offering options for metal selection, engraving, and even a life-size version.
The sources also showcase the enduring appeal of estate jewelry, with examples of vintage cufflinks, bracelets, and rings being offered for sale. These pieces often feature intricate craftsmanship and unique designs, representing a connection to the past and a sense of timeless elegance.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains a captivating gemstone with a rich history and enduring appeal. From its ancient origins in Native American cultures to its modern applications in bespoke jewelry design, turquoise continues to inspire and enchant. While the provided sources offer limited detail regarding its specific gemological properties, they effectively convey its cultural significance, historical context, and the enduring human fascination with this beautiful blue gem. The ability to customize jewelry, as demonstrated by the examples provided, ensures that turquoise will continue to be cherished and incorporated into meaningful pieces for generations to come.