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.
- Kevin
- June 7, 2022
- Common Questions
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 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!
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:
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:
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:
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!