Turquoise Gemstone

Turquoise Pronunciation:

The correct pronunciation is simply “TUR-koyz.”

Hardness:

Turquoise, renowned for its unique beauty, ranges in hardness from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. That makes it far softer than most gemstones—far softer than pink sapphire or even the lowly quartz—and far more likely to scratch and lose its luster if you treat it too roughly. So I say: handle turquoise with extreme care, and keep turquoise jewelry in a separate, safe place when you’re not wearing it.

Even with its softness, turquoise has decorated humanity for thousands of years. Today, ancient Egyptian jewelry that has survived intact speaks not only of the careful craftsmanship of the time but also of the preservation methods that kept those pieces in such excellent condition.

Table: Turquoise vs. Other Gemstones on Mohs Hardness Scale

Luster:

The typical luster of turquoise is waxy or dull, offering a soft, earthy glow that is anything but bright and sparkly. It doesn’t have the fierce glitter of a diamond. Its allure lies in its simple beauty, which is far from overpowering. Given this subtlety, it seems to be a perfect candidate for everyday jewelry.

I often notice that collectors place a higher value on the color uniformity and natural patterning of turquoise than on the more traditional measures of gem quality and beauty, like brilliance. To me, the mesmerizing color of turquoise—and the way it does not quite match with any other gemstone—makes the case for turquoise being a true beauty. Its captivating color is what draws us to turquoise, but it also seems to set it apart from gems like diamond, sapphire, and ruby. This seems like an unfortunate loss for turquoise.

Crystal System:

Turquoise is a member of the triclinic crystal system and forms microcrystalline aggregates instead of well-defined crystals. This means turquoise presents distinct faces much less often than, say, quartz or garnet. Instead, turquoise often appears as nodules or veins within its host rock, making it seem as though ribbons of sky-blue are flowing through rocky mountains.

The crystal structure accounts for the fascinating irregularities and captivating patterns found in natural turquoise. These features make each stone a unique work of art.

Table: Crystal Features of Turquoise Compared to Other Gems

Etymology:

The term “turquoise” has its roots in the French phrase “pierre turquoise,” which translates to “Turkish stone.” This is because the mineral was first introduced to Europe via trade routes from Turkey. However, turquoise never came from Turkey at all but rather from far-off places like Persia (present-day Iran).

Understanding the origin and development of trade routes feels like following old maps of globalization, leading back to an Italian renaissance (with apologies for using an anachronistic term) when stylishness and the beautiful were hand in hand. Ineluctably, trade routes married cultures, and turquoise became a global molecule.

Location:

Turquoise occurs in various global localities, of which prominent sources are Iran, the southwestern United States, China, and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Persian turquoise has been prized for millennia for its unsurpassed quality and deep blue color, setting a high standard against which other turquoise sources are judged.

In my experience, American turquoise from Arizona and Nevada has a distinctively appealing look, frequently dotted with enticing dark webbing known as “matrix.” Collectors worldwide find something special in this diversity of locations.

Meaning & Energy:

The color turquoise stands for:

• Wisdom;
• Tranquility;
• Protection.

For thousands of years, civilizations—from Native Americans to Egyptians—have worn turquoise, considering it to be a powerful protector. They thought it provided much-needed spiritual and emotional balance, especially when they were on the edge of a big life change.

Have you ever experienced the tranquil calmness of a turquoise stone? Many people, including myself, find that turquoise promotes not just communication but also clear and effective emotional expression. Its color is vibrant and dynamic, but turquoise also has a certain stillness—that of cool, calm water. Unlike a mermaid, with her vibrant hair dancing in the sea, this deep aqua color is purely meditative.

Whether you seek a stylish companion or a spiritual accessory on your journey, turquoise can lend you its gentle energy and timeless beauty.

Varieties of Turquoise Stone

While investigating turquoise stone, you will stumble into a delightful array of varieties that reflect a diverse coloration and patterning. American turquoise—most notably from Arizona and Nevada—exhibits a rich array of blues and stunning matrix patterns that make each piece of it uniquely alluring. Persian turquoise, on the other hand, is celebrated for a pure coloration that leans toward a light, sky blue hue. Persian turquoise, due to its reduced matrix visibility, has been highly valued in jewelry-making for almost as long as ancient times.

Common Types of Turquoise by Region

What is intriguing is that turquoise from Tibet often shows shades of green; when combined with the dramatic black matrix patterning found in many Tibetan pieces, the combination makes for some very earthy, attractive turquoise. Collectors probably love these qualities even more than I do. As a dedicated crystal enthusiast, I emphasize the importance of recognizing and appreciating these factors—these incredibly unique appearances.

Ancient Myths

The ancient civilizations, stretching from the Egyptian realm to North America, held and still hold turquoise in high reverence, steeping it in a myriad of enthralling myths and legends. The Egyptians cherished the stone, venerating it both for its alluring hue and as a potent stone of protection. They embedded turquoise into amulets and other artifacts, believing that it could and would guard their souls against the kinds of negative energy and forces that might seek to enter their bodies and disturb their peace.

Native American tribes regarded turquoise as critical and held it in high esteem; the Navajo and Zuni, particularly, integrated it into almost all aspects of their lives. Both tribes used the cherished stone in extensive ceremonial settings and in family spheres as jewelry, personal adornment, and as a symbol in their rites of passage from one stage of life to another. They displayed creative mastery over it, as modern artists do, but they also imbued it with powerful medicinal and magical qualities.

Physical Turquoise Stone Healing Properties

Turquoise is renowned for its healing properties that support physical health. It has long been regarded as an aid for respiratory-system-related maladies, with practitioners suggesting it may benefit conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or issues of a related nature. To that end, many will recommend wearing turquoise in the form of a necklace along the throat and chest, close to the center of the respiratory system, for maximally effective inhalation and exhalation.

Physical Benefits of Turquoise

Furthermore, the use of turquoise in history has been for detoxification, under the belief that it boosted the immune system and aided in nutrient absorption. I incorporate turquoise into my wellness routine, trusting that its gentle yet powerful vibrations, despite the lack of “scientific” evidence, are assisting in restoring balance to my body.

Emotional Turquoise Stone Healing Properties

Calming and tranquil, the color turquoise in the emotional realm is reputed to gently guide people under stress and anxiety toward peace. Popular in meditation, the hue in any form—be it crystal or otherwise—serves as an excellent tool for promoting emotional balance. People say that turquoise, with its feel-good nature, is equally reassuring and revitalizing.

Moreover, turquoise promotes clear communication and enhances self-expression and honesty. When you’re having tough talks or need to find your way through something to attain clarity, blue-green turquoise can give you that subtle push in the right direction. Crystals affect us on multiple levels, and turquoise is always a reliable ally. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to an actual turquoise stone; use the affirmation above when you want its energy working for you.

Chakra Turquoise Stone Healing Properties

The Throat Chakra, where turquoise primarily resonates, enhances one’s power of articulation regarding the thoughts and feelings that one has. It is rare that articulation is effortless, yet an aligned Throat Chakra allows for unimpeded communication—genuine connections and truthful self-expression on the other side of the mouth, as it were, in terms of the throat.

Still, the heart chakra is also affected, albeit subtly, when it comes to the influence of turquoise. The way the stone of turquoise gets associated with the Heart Chakra is pretty much the same way it is associated with the Throat Chakra: It promotes and instills feelings of empathy, compassion, and emotional healing. At the same time, turquoise fits perfectly into practices and meditations involving the heart chakra. All in all, there are some wonderful and pretty spectacular aspects of turquoise.

Regardless of whether you are enthralled by the aesthetic appeal of turquoise, captivated by its deep historical meaning, or lured by the healing energies associated with the stone, incorporating it into your life can only enhance your spiritual and physical journey.

Questions and Answers