Turquoise

Turquoise is a vibrant light blue stone often seen in south-western jewellery. It is reasonably priced and quite lovely.

General Information

Turquoise's colour ranges from sky blue to green. The finest colour is an intense deep-blue azure, rarely seen. The intensity and evenness of colour are important valuation factors. So too is the quality of the polish. "Robin's egg blue" is another highly valued colour. 

Howlite is often dyed to imitate turquoise. Turquoise made in a laboratory has a very uniform colour. Chalky varieties of turquoise are often coated with wax or oil to enhance colour - and when treated like this, the colour change is not permanent.

Turquoise is often fracture sealed. This doesn't mean that it has fractures, it means that it was sealed with an acrylic resin to enhance it's colour, texture, and hardness.

Turquoise is somewhat soft so avoid scratches and sharp blows. To be certain and coatings are not removed also avoid hot water and household chemicals.

Where Turquoise is mined

Turquoise is found in Australia, Chile, Iran, Mexico, Tibet, USA (Arizona , California and New Mexico).

Anniversary Gemstone for Turquoise

Turquoise is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th and 11th year of marriage.  

Turquoise Mystical Properties

Turquoise supposedly helps one to start new projects. It also strengthens and calms the mind and body.

More Turquoise Lore

Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing colour.

In the 13th century, Turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling especially from horses.

Legend has it that the Indians believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. It was also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all.

Turquoise started being used before 4000 BC.

Turquoise is the US State Gemstone of Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.