Do you know what turquoise is and why it’s so popular? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about this coveted gemstone.
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Kevin
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June 7, 2022
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Common Questions
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If you’re a jewelry aficionado or have an interest in geology, you’ve likely come across turquoise before — but what is it?
This post will provide you with everything you need to understand turquoise, including its definition, characteristics, and more.
Let’s get started.
What Is the Definition of Turquoise?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, turquoise is a bluish-green semi-precious stone that’s frequently used in jewelry. That said, the color turquoise itself — or turquoise blue — is often used to describe things that are of a light blue-greenish color.
What Is Turquoise?
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral with the chemical formula CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O — a hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate.
Commonly used as a gemstone, turquoise is one of the oldest healing stones in history. With that in mind, here are some of the coveted stones’ most common associations:
- Chakras: Throat Chakra, Heart Chakra, and Third Eye Chakra
- Birthstone: December (blue-turquoise)
- Planet: Neptune and Venus
- Element: Air, fire, and earth
- Numerical Vibration: Number 1
- Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Aquarius, and Pisces
The color of the turquoise ranges from blue through many different hues of green to greenish and yellowish gray. A delicate sky blue is most valued for gem purposes, whereas delicate veining caused by impurities is sought after as proof of a natural stone.
Though it’s often considered masculine, it’s also thought that turquoise is the unification of masculine and feminine energies — the uniting of the sea and the sky.
What Is the History of Turquoise?
Believe it or not, turquoise is one of the first gemstones known to man.
Yup, it’s true — four turquoise bracelets were found on the mummified arm of Queen Zar, which dates all the way back to the second ruler of Ancient Egypt’s First Dynasty in 5,500 BC.
The name turquoise comes from the same French word — turquoise — meaning Turkish, since it originally arrived in Europe through turkey, originating in Iran. Today, however, turquoise is mined all over the globe, including:
- The Southwestern United States
- China
- Chile
- Egypt
- Mexica
- Tibet
- Australia
- Northern Africa
- Siberia
What Are the Healing Properties of a Turquoise Crystal?
The gorgeous deep blue hues of the stunning turquoise crystal are coveted by people far and wide. Why? Because turquoise symbolizes prosperity, protection, and tranquility.
It helps in the absorption of nutrients, enhances immunity, stimulates cell regeneration, and heals the body inside and out. In addition, turquoise is thought to purify the lungs, heal the eyes, neutralize over-acidity, and soothe sore throats.
What’s more, turquoise is a purification stone. This means it dispels negative energy and can be worn to protect against pollutants. It also balances and aligns all the chakras, calms mood swings, and instills inner calm.
Needless to say, turquoise is pretty powerful!
What Are Some Turquoise Symbols?
The mesmerizing blue-green stone of the ancients represents hope, wisdom, and good fortune. Used by folks all around the world, here are some of the most common uses of turquoise in history:
- Early Native American tribes associated turquoise with the god of the sky, and shamans often relied on the stone as a conduit between earth and heaven. Indigenous people also used turquoise to decorate their arrows, believing that the powerful stones improved aim and accuracy.
- Turkish warriors used to craft talismans from the beloved mineral, using it to adore their armor and swords as an extra boost of protection.
- Greek maidens wore the stunning sea-green stone as a symbol of their purity.
- In Indian culture, turquoise is symbolic of hope, wealth, and courage.
- The Ancient Persians wore turquoise gemstones to protect themselves from unnatural deaths.
How Can You Use Turquoise?
Turquoise soothes rage, restores calm, relieves stress, and neutralizes the body. It also promotes inner harmony and peace through spiritual understanding. If you’re new to using turquoise and not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to get you going:
- Meditate with turquoise. This beautiful earth-grounding stone can help bring you to a meditative state — perfect for meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga.
- Wear turquoise. For extra protection or a boost of luck, consider wearing turquoise as a pendant, necklace, ring, or bracelet.
- Carry turquoise. If you don’t want to wear turquoise, simply carry a piece with you in your pocket or handbag.
- Place turquoise somewhere in your environment. Another great way to use turquoise is by placing the protection stone around your home or in a spot where you will see it each and every day to remind you of your goals and intentions.
Are There Any Other Protection Stones?
Turquoise may be the oldest protection stone known to man, but it’s not the only crystal that offers security. Other stones that offer protection include:
- Black tourmaline
- Obsidian
- Selenite
- Amethyst
- Moonstone
- Emerald
- Pyrite
- Clear Quartz
- Fire Agate
Conclusion
A mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, turquoise is a coveted purification stone that is thought to dispel negative energy. The calming and cooling color of turquoise is associated with sophistication, serenity, wisdom, love, joy, and friendship. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense why so many people love to wear turquoise jewelry!
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