Turquoise
Attributes
The Stone of Winners for centuries chosen by warriors as a talisman full of energy and luck, reuniting enemies and ending conflicts. Turquoise jewellery protects against bad luck and accidents, encourages intelligence, optimism and vitality.
Origin
Turquoise occurs as masses. Its blue color is due to presence of copper and occasional traces of iron causes the greenish tint. Turquoise deposits usually form in iron-rich limonite or sandstone. The dark brown markings are remnants of the host rock within the turquoise, and can resemble splotches or veins. They’re called matrix.
The best quality turquoise is located in Iran. Turquoise deposits are also found in Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Israel, Mexico, Tanzania and the USA.
Most of the turquoise that comes out of the mines is pale and has a rather greenish tingle which is not as attractive. Therefore there are some techniques to bring the quality of the gemstone up to higher levels. Turquoise might be also reconstructed - small chips of turquoise
or its powder are bonded together with resin and then heat treated.
Name
The name comes from Turkey, through which the trade route from Persia to Europe used to pass - Turkish stone.
History
Turquoise was one of the first gems to be mined. It was known by 3000BC and possibly prior to the first Dynasty of ancient Egypt. King Tutankhamen's burial mask and tomb was inlaid with turquoise. The ancient Egyptians believed that the color blue was a symbol
of regeneration, so turquoise was treasured for both decorative and superstitious purposes.
Astrology
Stone associated with: Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius, Pisces
