Turquoise

Alt. December Birthstone

 

The derivation of the name turquoise is clouded in mystery but may be a result of the stone coming from the Orient or Persia by way of Turkey. The gem turquoise owes it's beauty almost entirely to its superb color. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem materials. It has been used for ornamentation since 3000BC and possibly before. Although turquoise is frequently treated with dye or stabalized with plastic, our turquoise is 100% natural and has not been altered in any way.

The most important turquoise deposits are in Iran, Tibet, China, Mexico, and the Southwestern United States. While a clear even texture without mottleing or veins is preferred by many, other people prefer turquoise with veins, sometimes called spiderwebs, which set off the color. Some say that in the the thirteenth century, turquoise was named in the mistaken belief that it came from Turkey. That may be true or it may be that the name comes from the Persian word for turquoise, firouze, since Persia has been a major source of this gemstone for thousands of years. In any case, the blue of this gemstone is so vivid and distinct that it has given its name to the color.

Lore
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem materials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in 3,200 BC in the Sinai. The blue of turquoise was thought to have powerful metaphysical properties by many ancient cultures. Montezuma's treasure, now displayed in the British Museum, includes a fantastic carved serpent covered by a mosaic of turquoise. In ancient Mexico, turquoise was reserved for the gods, it would not be worn by mere mortals.

The Apache believed that if turquoise was worn by a hunter they would hit their mark more easily. The Zuni beleved that it shieded them from demons. In Asia it was considered protection against the evil eye. Tibetans carved turquoise into ritual objects as well as wearing it in traditional jewelry. Ancient manuscripts from Persia, India, Afghanstan, and Arabia report that the health of a person wearing turquoise can be determined by the variations of color in the stone. Turquoise was also thought to promote prosperity.