Meaning, Healing Properties, Advantages, Hardness, and Types of Turquoise

Within weeks of wearing it, Meera noticed that changes were quite amazing: anxiety was reduced, communication improved, and sleep became better.

Curious, she started researching the history of the stone, finding its extraordinary healing powers. If you are also fascinated by this amazing gemstone, then keep reading as we find out everything about turquoise stone.

What is Turquoise?

The color of this natural gem is found in its attractive sky-blue, greenish blue, to intense blue and more. Their patterns are always beautiful because it may have different appearances depending on veins of rock formed around them.

The color for this stone results from a mix of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate. Regions like these find Turquoise:

• Iran (Persian turquoise): Known for its intense, robin's egg blue color.

• USA (Arizona, Nevada): Characterized by matrix-filled turquoise.

• China: Provides lower-grade, sometimes stabilized turquoise.

• Egypt: The oldest of the turquoise-producing sources, turquoise has been mined there for over 6,000 years.

Such natural goodness and pliability make turquoise a favorite when creating jewelry, decorative art, and in certain spiritual practices. 

Turquoise Meaning

Turquoise is a stone known for centuries for protection, wisdom, and peace. The color of the stone is a reflection of the blue sky and deep blue sea, therefore, calming the mind and bringing about balance.

Turquoise, in the metaphysical field, is associated with:

• Facilitate self-expression, honest communication.

• Enhance spiritual grounding and emotional clarity.

• Induce a sense of inner peace and harmony.

Whether as an amulet or for meditation, turquoise reminds one to embrace one's authentic self yet to remain connected to the world around them.

Historic Importance

There is no other gemstone as full of history as turquoise. The mystical powers it held were matched only by its extraordinary beauty across all cultures:

• Egypt: Ancient Egypt used turquoise to clad the tombs of pharaohs and the protective amulet. It has famously been included on the face mask of Pharaoh King Tutankhamun.

• Persia: Known as "firouzeh," this was a heaven-protecting gem that was used often in palaces and crowns.

• Native Americans: Among the Navajo and Apache tribes, turquoise is considered a stone that brings closer to the spirits. It was used in rain ceremonies.

• Tibet and China: In the Tibetan culture, turquoise is associated with the life cycle of humans and the good fortune well-being stone.

• Victorian Europe: Turquoise was popular for being a symbol of love in the form of a gift for eternal devotion.
  

From ancient artifacts to modern heirlooms, turquoise continues to bridge the past and present with its enduring allure.

  Facts About Turquoise

• Chemical Composition: Its rich color is attributed to trace elements of copper. The higher concentration of copper yields a bluish hue, and iron gives a greenish shade.

• Origin of the Name: The term "turquoise" literally means "Turkish stone," as this stone was discovered in Turkey and was first introduced into Europe.

• Cultural Significance: Some people believed that the turquoise would turn color to foretell danger or illness.

• December Birthstone: As the birthstone of December, it is usually related to Sagittarius and Capricorn.

• Healing Legacy: Old-time healers would use turquoise healing properties in elixirs and poultices because they believed that turquoise could heal anything

Must read: Spotting Real vs. Fake Turquoise: What to Look For

Turquoise Benefits

Turquoise is a far more powerful stone than simply being a decoration; it can be an ally for the mind, body, and spirit. Let's look at its benefits in detail.

It nurtures emotional fitness as well, and supports general physical health besides. This practicality works on multilevel perspectives: physical, mental, and emotional as well as spiritual. Let's get into it further:

  Price Range

Turquoise's price ranges significantly due to the difference in its origin, quality, and treatment. Good-quality high-grade turquoise is very scarce and precious; other varieties that have been stabilized or dyed can be cheaper.

The price range per carat is:

• Premium Persian: ₹1,500 and ₹20,000.

• Sleeping Beauty Turquoise: ₹1,000 to ₹15,000

• Stabilized turquoise: ₹300 and ₹800.

Looking for real turquoise stones? Check out the handpicked range at GemstonesForSale.com.

Hardness Scale

Turquoise is 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Thus, it is relatively soft in comparison with other gemstones such as sapphire or quartz. It can withstand jewelry use, but requires delicate care not to scratch or break.

Maintenance Tips

Proper care is necessary in preserving the beauty and integrity of turquoise. Some tips on maintaining your gemstone to pristine conditions include:

• Do not expose turquoise to chemicals because chemicals from cleaners or perfumes may damage its surface.

• Heat Damage: Prolonged exposure to the sun or to heat fades out the color of turquoise.

• Wipe with soft, moist cloth. Ultrasonic cleaning or steam is also avoided as these methods cause damage.

• Store carefully: Turquoise should be placed in a soft pouch or divided into spaces in a jewelry box to prevent scratching itself.

• Rehydrate periodically: Turquoise is porous and dries out readily. Minimal mineral oil should be applied at intervals to revive the shine.

Types of Turquoise

This is a gemstone that comes in various types with unique characteristics and appeal. Persian turquoise, which is known for its vibrant sky-blue shades, or Nevada turquoise, which presents rich matrix patterns, each of them has their own story. Here's a closer look at the most outstanding types of turquoise:

1. Persian Turquoise

Persian turquoise, which originates from Iran, is one of the most sought-after varieties globally. It has an immaculate, sky-blue color without any matrix patterns, which makes it pure and uniform in appearance.

Characteristics:

• Welcoming, deep rich blue color often referred to as "robin's egg blue."

• Smooth texture and a highly polished finish.

• Not very often requiring stabilization because of its natural hardness and quality.

Cultural Importance:

Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years. The Persian royalty used this gemstone to decorate themselves; they strongly believed it brought them luck and protection.

Usage:

Primarily utilized in fine jewelry, Persian turquoise is desired for its classic elegance and timelessness.

2. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

It is named after the mountain where it was discovered in Arizona, the Sleeping Beauty Mountain. The Sleeping Beauty turquoise is well-known for its consistent, robin's egg blue color. This is probably one of the most recognizable and used types of turquoise in contemporary jewelry.

Characteristics:

• Bluish color is fairly homogeneous and without veining or matrix.

• Very soft; this stone has a tendency to be stabilized for added hardness.

Popularity:

• Well favored by jewelers for a clean, bright look.

• A great stone used for Southwestern and Native American theme jewelry pieces.

Unique Appeal: 

Its light cheerful tone is used for everyday as well as statement pieces. 

3. Chinese Turquoise

Chinese turquoise is affordable and ranges in shades of greenish-blue tones. The stone is commonly stabilized for strength and color retention over time.

Color Characteristics:

• Pale blue to strong greenish-blue.

• Often presents intricate matrix patterns, giving character to each piece.

• Softer than other strains, it needs stabilizing for safe long-term use.

Mining History:

China has mined turquoise for thousands of years. It has been used in the most traditional Chinese arts, carvings, and jewelry.

Versatility:

Chinese turquoise is mainly used in beautiful and artistic pieces of jewelry since it has wonderful colors and stunning veining.

 

4. Nevada Turquoise

Nevada turquoise mined in the USA has many different colors and spectacular matrix patterns. Due to this diversity, it's highly appreciated among collectors.

Description:

Colour range from deep blue to green and sometimes even having white or brown matrix.

Good strength and toughness; very often used in the matrix-bearing state.

Mines:  

• Some mines

• Royston mine.

• Kingman mine

• Blue Gem mine.

Turquoise varies in color and matrix pattern depending on the mine.

Cultural Significance

Nevada turquoise has cultural significance for Native Americans. They use it to make traditional jewelry and ceremonial pieces.

5. Stabilised Turquoise

Stabilized turquoise is not a variety of turquoise but stabilized turquoise. Here, the process of stabilization entails infusing a resin into the stone to improve its durability while enhancing its colour.

Characteristics:

Scratching, staining and fading resistant

• Generally has brighter color due to the stabilization.

• Available in sizes and shapes making it versatile and applicable in almost all applications.

Natural turquoise tends to be porous and more likely to become discolored over time.

Stabilizing ensures that the stone remains aesthetically appealing and intact for much longer periods.

Uses:

Stabilized turquoise is extensively used in less expensive jewelry and other decorative objects so that many can afford to own it.

A summary table for the stone of every taste

Why Turquoise is Loved Today

Turquoise's popularity cuts across all ages and trends. From an ancient tradition to the modern era of aesthetics, there is a stone that stands apart from all other stones, with the turquoise offering something for everybody. Versatility, along with profound symbolic meaning, makes it a beloved stone across the world.

Conclusion

Turquoise is more than just a gem; it holds the epitome of harmony, wisdom, and strength. From its healing nature to the ageless beauty it depicts, this stone is incontestably special for any gem enthusiast who brings it into his home.

Whether it's the belief in its spiritual benefits or the beautiful aesthetics, turquoise is an end worthy of inclusion in your collection. Have a look at authentic pieces for sale on GemstonesForSale and see the transformation this could bring to your life.

  FAQs

1: What makes turquoise unique?

 Its beautiful color, deep history, and metaphysical attributes make it the most unique and versatile gem.

2: Does turquoise actually provide some sort of protection

Many believe that turquoise can be a different type of protector amulet-a protection against things that might have harm and also negativism.

3: How can I determine whether my turquoise is real or not?

Natural turquoise has a dull finish with veining. Synthetic ones are too polished and do not have much variation.

4: Can the turquoise be used daily?

Yes. Just avoid harsh chemicals, heating, or generally damaging it.