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Turquoise Associated with the throat chakra, turquoise will help you communicate more effectively. Known for its strength, it is associated with qualities of leadership and makes the wearer less sensitive to negative influences. Mythology and History The name turquoise comes from Turkey, where the Crusaders discovered it, although it was in use thousands of years before. It is a stone associated with the gods and goddesses in cultures as far apart as Antient Egypt and China and the Americas. One of the most prized stones in Ancient Egypt, its name means delight. Hathor, the goddess of love, marriage dance, music, joy and women, was called the Lady of Turquoise, giving the stone a feminine associaton (in a number of other cultures it was a male power stone). In Ancient Egypt turquoise was also linked to the sun gods and the sun at dawn and so, like lapis lazuli, it is a symbol of rebirth. The hair of the Sun God Ra was said to have been made of turquoise. It was mined in Sinai. Known as a male stone of power in the Americas, only warriors could wear it; in some parts it was only used as an adornment for the statues of male deities. It was regarded as a sky stone, a sacred manifestation of the source of creation. Turquoise is sacred to many American Indian tribes, including the Pueblo Indians. Indeed, in the Chaco Canon groups of ruins in Mexico, nine thousand turquoise beads and pendants were discovered in the grave of a single warrior chief. Some were carved in the shape of animals or birds to attract favorable spirits to enter the crystals. Amonth the Apaches, turquoise was a powerful talisman and healer and was an important tool of the medicine man or woman. After a storm it was believed turquoise would be found in the damp earth at the point where the rainbow ended; these were especially prized and fixed to the end of a bow or gun to ensure an accurate aim. The Navajo placed tiny pieces of turquoise on their magical sand paintings as a way of ending drought and, like the Pueblo Indians, they set pieces of turquoise under their dwellings to protect their homes and their families against evil spirits. As late as CE 1400 the Aztecs offered Queztalcotal, plumed serpent god of the sun, a death skull inlaid with hundereds of small turquoise crystals. Divinatory Significance You may be called upon to arbitrate in a quarrel, perhaps at work, or to speak out of you feel strongly about a matter. You may also need to take the lead to bring a matter or project to fruition. Healing Properties Turquoise detoxifies the system of pollutants, and relieves migraines, sore throats, rheumatism, arthrits, bone disorders, lung and chest infections, and asthma and other allergies. It is ecellent for inner ear and eye problems. It also eases cramps and overacidity and gives resistance to fight viruses. Uses at Work and Home Keep turquoise near stairs to prevent falls, especially if there are children, elderly people or the infirm in the house. Hide turquoise in outhouses or near entrances to your home to repel intruders. Turquoise will also attract prosperity and success; place it in your workspace or where you keep your financial papers. Children and Animals Turquoise is a good stone for a child to carry to protect against bullying and to help a timid child to take the initiative and to answer questions in class. Children could also drink water in which the crystal has been soaked for eight hours. Fix turquoise to pets' collars and to the mirror of caged birds to prevent theft of the creature getting lost or straying. Psychic Associations Absorbing all negative forces, turquoise endows wisdom on those who wear it and increases prophetic powers. Turquoise is said to give access to the collecctive wisdom of humankind. Hold your turquoise in cupped palms and name your intentions seven times. Protective Functions Turquoise is traditionally planted into the mane of a horse or attatched to the bridle to prevent it stumbling; a similar sized turquoise is reputed to change color if poison or other dangers are near. Environmental Work Because of its strength and association with leadership it is sometimes called the campaigner's stone, favoring those who initiate or play active roles in peaceful movements for the protection of the environment and for human rights. Special Properties Turquoise has the dual function both of energizing and balancing mood swings or extremes of emotions, making the wearer strong within but less sensitive to negative outer influences. Turquoise should be given to a gift, not bought. Recharging its Energies Turquoise fades in sunlight and from exposure to oils. Recharge it with an Amerindian smudge - cedar, sagebrush or sweetgrass. Properties Type: Phosphate of aluminum with copper and traces of iron. Opaque. Symbolic Associations Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius Planet: Venus/Neptune Element: Fire/Air Candle Color: Bright blue Guardian Angel: Zadkiel Chakra: Throat Herbs, Incenses and Oils: Cedar, hyssop, mistletoe, sandalwood, and sage Flowers: Carnation, chrysanthemum and honeysuckle Associated Crystals: Azurite, lapis lazuli and blue howlite *Cassandra Eason* |
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Turquoise  THE MINERAL TURQUOISE - Chemistry: CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8*5(H2O), Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate
- Class: Phosphates
- Uses: as an ornamental stone for carving and jewelry.
Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. It has been mined for eons since at least 6000 BC. by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians. Its popularity is still quite strong today. Although crystals of any size are rare, some small crystals have been found in Virginia and elsewhere. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals could only be seen by a microscope. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Turquoise is often imitated by "fakes", such as the mineral chrysocolla, and poorer turquoise specimens are often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. The name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey, from where Persian material passed on its way to Europe. - Chemistry: CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8*5(H2O), Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate
- Class: Phosphates
- Uses: as an ornamental stone for carving and jewelry.
Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. It has been mined for eons since at least 6000 BC. by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians. Its popularity is still quite strong today. Although crystals of any size are rare, some small crystals have been found in Virginia and elsewhere. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals could only be seen by a microscope. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Turquoise is often imitated by "fakes", such as the mineral chrysocolla, and poorer turquoise specimens are often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. The name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey, from where Persian material passed on its way to Europe. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: - Color is of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades.
- Luster is dull to waxy, vitreous in macro-crystals.
- Transparency specimens are opaque.
- Crystal System is triclinic; bar 1
- Crystal Habits include crystals rarely large enough to see, usually massive, cryptocrystalline forms as nodules and veinlets.
- Cleavage is perfect in two direction, but is not often seen.
- Fracture is conchoidal and smooth.
- Hardness is 5 - 6
- Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6 - 2.8 (average)
- Streak is white with a greenish tint.
- Associated Minerals are pryite, limonite, quartz and <M href="http://comanchemall.com/minerals/silicate/clays/clays.htm" />clays</M />.
- Other Characteristics: color can change with exposure to skin oils.
- Notable Occurances include Arizona and New Mexico, USA; Australia; Iran; Afghanistan and other localities in the Middle East.
- Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, luster, color and associations.
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Turquoise 
Astrological Signs of Sagittarius, Pisces, & Scorpio Vibrates to the number 1. Turquoise is a vibrant light blue stone often seen in southwestern jewelry. Turquoise Care, Treatments & Where Turquoise's color ranges from sky blue to green. It has a hardness of 6. Howlite is often dyed to imitate turquoise. Turquoise made in a laboratory has a very uniform color. Chalky varieties of turquoise are often coated with wax or oil to enhance color - and when treated like this, the color change is not permanent. Turquoise is often fracture sealed. This doesen't mean that it has fractures, it means that it was seal ed with an acrylic resin to enhance it's color, texture, and hardness. Turquoise is somewhat soft so avoid scratches and sharp blows. To be certain and coatings are not removed also avoid hot water and household chemicals. Reputable dealers will not use the following misleading terms. However, for your protection, I am listing them here: "Vienna turquoise" is really a glass imitation. Turquoise is found in Australia, Chile, Iran, Mexico, Tibet, USA (Arizona , California and New Mexico). Birthstone Months with Turquoise - December: Modern and Traditional Birthstone
- Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18): Planetary Stone
- Taurus (Apr 20-May 20): Birthstone
- Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21): Birthstone
Anniversary Gemstone for Turquoise Turquoise is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th year of marriage. Turquoise Mystical Properties Turquoise supposedly helps one to start new projects. More Turquoise Lore Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color. In the 13th century, Turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling especially from horses. Legend has it that the Indians believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. It was also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. Turquoise started being used before 4000 BC. Turquoise is the US State Gemstone of Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. Ancient and yet always at the height of current fashion: that is Turquoise for you. Its brilliant sky-blue belongs to the all-time favourite trend colours in the world of fashion and jewellery.
In many cultures of the Old and New World this gemstone has for thousands of years been appreciated as a holy stone, a good-luck-charm or a talisman. It is a virtual "peoples�?gemstone�? The oldest proof for this lies in Egypt, where in tombs from the period around 3000 B.C. there were found artefacts set with Turquoise. In the ancient Persian Kingdom the sky-blue gemstones were originally worn around the neck or on the hand as protection to ward off unnatural death. If the stones changed their colour, there was an imminent danger for the wearer. However, in the meantime it has been uncovered that Turquoises may in fact change their colour, but this reaction is not necessarily an indication of danger impending. The reason for the colour change is rather the influence of light, cosmetic products, dust or even the ph-value of the skin, which may all trigger off chemical responses.
Turquoise will protect and let you enjoy life
In earlier times Turquoises were sometimes thought responsible for the material wealth of their bearers. For example, Persian philosopher Al Kazwini wrote: "The hand wearing a Turquoise and using it as a sealing stone, will never be poor.�?Turquoises were loved as ornaments decorating turbans, often set in a border of pearls, in order to protect the wearer from the "evil eye�?
They were used as talismans decorating daggers, scimitars or the horses�?bridles. Turquoise came to Europe only during the time of the crusades. And from this period comes the name "Turquoise�? meaning simply "Turkish stone�?
Also in South, Middle and North America Turquoise has always been enjoying a special position among gemstones. For example, the ancient Aztecs in Northern Peru used to decorate their ceremonial masks with this stone, a "holy stone�?in their belief. The North American Indians, who are still producing quite a few pieces of traditional silver jewellery set with Turquoises today, believed that the gemstone the colour of the sky would establish a direct connection between the sky and the lakes.
At all times in history Turquoise was worn as protection to ward off the influence of dark and evil powers. In former times thought to protect riders and horses from accidental falls, they are nowadays considered the ideal good-luck stones for aviators, flight staff and other professions which need special assistance to ward off accidents.
In the contemporary teachings of the Healing Power of Stones, wearing Turquoise is recommended to solve the problems caused by a depressed outlook on life. The bright and happy colour is supposed to lend self-confidence to subdued personalities, and it is also very popular as a token of friendship, since Turquoise is reputed to be responsible for faithfulness and reliable relationships.
The blue from copper, the green from iron
Turquoise is a copper aluminium phosphate achieving hardness six, thus considerably softer than quartz. It occurs naturally in all shades ranging from sky-blue to grey-green, usually in such locations where copper is hidden in the soil in high concentrations. However, only the best quality Turquoises show the real turquoise colour, which in ordinary stones is normally rather pale, blue-green or greenish. The blue colour is caused by copper, while the green colour is caused by iron or chromium. Often the material is veined or shows spots, which depending on the respective occurrence are brown, light grey or even black. These vivid, more or less regular patterns are called the spider web. The micro-crystals are really tiny and almost not discernible with the bare eye. Usually turquoise occurs as encrustation, in veins or as nodules or nuggets. The most famous occurrences are situated in the USA, Mexico, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan and China. The most beautiful of Turquoises in wonderful light blue are found in Northern Iran.
Turquoise is only rarely facetted. Usually it is shaped as cabochons or as beads, or even given a fancy cut.
Wax will lend Turquoise resistance
Turquoises are relatively soft gemstones and thus quite sensitive. Since the colour may also fade out in the course of wearing, today even the top qualities receive a waxing and subsequent hardening treatment. This procedure will make the sensitive gemstone sturdier. Turquoises which have been sealed with artificial resin are also available in large amounts and at competitive prices. Their colour appears fresh, and they show a high resistance. But one should be careful, because many of these stones have been additionally dipped in colour before being sealed, and this colouring is a kind of treatment which according to the rules set down by ICA must be indicated. In addition, there are also so-called "reconstructed�?Turquoises, which have been assembled from pulverised Turquoise.
Due to their high sensitivity, then, almost all Turquoises have been treated to preserve their beauty, however, the kind of treatment differs considerably. It makes sense, then, that naturally beautiful stones which have simple been waxed or hardened with artificial resin achieve higher prices and are more valuable than such stones, which have received colour-enhancement. Valuable Turquoise jewellery should therefore best be purchased from a jeweller you can trust.
A piece of sky in your hands
The best Turquoise quality shows a clear and light sky-blue. The colour is highly appreciated, with or without the fine regular spider web lines. The quality decreases with the increase of green in colour, and the increase of spots and irregularities in the spider web.
Turquoise should be protected from cosmetics, heat and bright daylight. The gemstone does not really appreciate sunbathing. It is recommended to clean it from time to time after wearing with a soft cloth.
The colour of a Turquoise will make you feel happy and relaxed, for it combines the light blue of the sky with the invigorating green of the seas. It is so unique that the language took the stones�?very name to describe it: Turquoise. So if you decide on a Turquoise, you will hold a piece of the sky in your hands. LEGENDS AND FOLKLORE:
Turquoise stones are mentioned in folklore as bringing you luck when it comes to money and love. Turquoise is also associated with protection and healing by some Native American Indian tribes. We also tend to believe there is something to these powers, however obviously we are a little biased about it. The stones, depending upon where they come from can be greenish, blue green, sky blue and sometimes it has veining (black or brownish) streaks but not always. It is a mineral in the class of phosphates and it's chemical makeup is that of hydrated copper aluminum phosphate and considered to be one of the most valuable non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. Some of the finest specimens of turquoise come from the Southwestern United States and also from Iran. Please browse our store for some fine examples of Native American jewelry items.
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