TURQUOISE AND ITS PROPERTIES

The first time you wear a turquoise gemstone, it becomes clear why it has played such an important role in jewelry fashion trends across many of the world’s great civilizations.

 

From the Persians to the ancient Egyptians to the Native Americans, its striking blue hue with rich variations of brown and black veins—also known as the matrix—has captivated the eyes of many discerning lovers of high-quality gemstones. Its visual appeal has been so powerful that it became the source of many spiritual belief systems throughout the ages.

 

The semi-precious gemstone, designated as the birthstone for December along with zircon and tanzanite, has been discovered in virtually every corner of the globe. Here are some of the most fascinating facts that this historic, widely mined stone has revealed about the turquoise we all know and love.

 

1. TURQUOISE IS THE ONLY GEMSTONE WITH AN OFFICIAL COLOR

The vivid appearance of pure turquoise is so pleasing to the eye that it has been recognized as an official color in its own right—a privilege no other gemstone in the world has ever had.

 

It is instantly recognizable and perfectly versatile, making it an accessory you can wear with almost any outfit.

 

2. TURQUOISE RANGES IN COLOR FROM BRIGHT BLUE TO GREEN

The Himalayan soil where turquoise is found by Tibetan miners gives it a distinct greenish tone, making Tibetan turquoise world-famous and highly sought after. In contrast, the gemstones found in Persian and Egyptian mines are much bluer in color with less visible veining on their surface.

 

Color and matrix variations around the world arise due to different levels of copper and aluminum present in the water that flows through the rocks where the stone forms.

 

3. KNOWN AS THE “SKY STONE” BY TIBETAN AND NEPALESE PEOPLE

Turquoise has been revered by the Himalayan people for thousands of years due to their belief that it came from the heavens above.

 

Its appealing blue-green color is thought to bring protection to anyone who wears it, which is why children in Tibet are gifted the gemstone early in life to keep them safe during their life journeys.

 

4. IT’S EASY TO TELL REAL TURQUOISE FROM IMITATIONS

The common white mineral howlite is very absorbent and can be dyed to resemble any colored gemstone with similar veining, so it’s often used by disreputable dealers to create fake turquoise stones.

 

Fortunately, you can easily tell the difference between dyed howlite and real turquoise. All you need is a cotton swab and some acetone.

 

Dip the swab into the colorless liquid and gently rub it on the surface of the stone for a few seconds. If any blue-green dye comes off, it’s clearly howlite, not turquoise.

 

5. TURQUOISE CAN CHANGE ITS COLOR

Ancient beliefs held that turquoise changed color depending on the likelihood of approaching danger to the person wearing it, serving as a signal to seek shelter, protection, or make a life change.

 

As romantic as that sounds, a more modern understanding is that prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, cosmetics, and heat can cause a change in the color of turquoise gemstones.

 

This can be prevented with care by cleaning your gemstone occasionally with a soft cloth and rinsing it with water only, avoiding chemicals that could affect the vibrancy of the porous stone.

 

Interesting Facts About Turquoise

Dive right into the soft, serene, sky-blue waters and absorb the purifying calm energy as you say “yes” to everything turquoise brings to the table.

 

This beautiful blue stone shimmers with all the shades of the ocean, connecting to the throat chakra so you can speak your truth and ensure your inner critic stays quiet.

 

With natural tones pale and luminous like the Milky Way, this sacred stone is immersed in hues of holy blue-green, adding an extra layer of spiritual cleansing.

 

Blue is the color that soothes the soul, reminding us of the flowing water, the purifying energy of the earth, and the surge of life that can rise from deep within.

 

With a name from Old French meaning “Turkish,” perhaps in connection with its rich Persian history, the blue turquoise stone aims to purify negative energy and bring good fortune.

 

Turquoise Healing Properties

Bringing countless benefits to all who love and wear turquoise howlite, this special crystal feels most at home when it encourages you to let your true voice flow.

 

This is a stone that brings luck, heals old wounds, and infuses more life-affirming abundance into your world. Here are a few more benefits of inviting the tranquil essence of blue into your life...

 

Physical Healing Properties

As a throat chakra stone, turquoise helps heal all ailments related to this area. If you suffer from sore throats, respiratory issues, allergies, migraines, or other physical conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat, and lungs, then turquoise is always ready to lend a hand.

 

Mental and Emotional Healing Properties

Turquoise works wonders for your overall well-being, but as a healing stone for emotional and mental health, this is where it shines most. Its healing energy is connected to peace and tranquility—much like stepping into the cool shades of calm waters on a hot day.

 

For those who feel burned out or weighed down by life, this stone knows how to effectively heal those burdens, allowing you to shake them off and step into your own space instead of trying to bottle up your feelings.

 

Metaphysical Properties

There’s no denying that turquoise is a tonic for the spirit. It works closely with the throat chakra, which governs our communication and our sense of being heard—both of which strengthen our self-worth.

 

A blocked throat chakra can lead to many issues in how we speak to ourselves and interact with the world around us.

 

If you struggle to open your throat chakra, you may find it difficult to be heard and appreciated, to maintain clear boundaries, or to feel as though those who like you truly see you for who you are.

 

As a stone that connects with the throat chakra and invites it to flow, turquoise howlite aims to bring your truth to the surface.

 

Zodiac Birthstone

When it comes to zodiac connections using turquoise, those who fall under the sign of Sagittarius will fall hard for its bright blue coloring. Sagittarians are often positive, optimistic, and filled with curiosity. They love to dream big and reach high and can be incredibly fun to be around.

 

With all that abundance comes fast-paced movement, which can sometimes mean that Sagittarians aren’t the best communicators. This quick and frenetic star sign can be a bit too direct or blunt for some, which can lead to challenges.

 

Since turquoise is a wise old stone that strongly resonates with calmness and communication, it might be just the balancing tool they need.

 

Turquoise Jewelry

Choose a piece of turquoise jewelry and carry the tools of compassion and communication wherever you go. A necklace places the stone at the center of your throat chakra, while a turquoise bracelet keeps those soothing vibrations pulsing against your wrist.

 

Placing the stone directly against the skin is the best way to let its power bloom. Those seeking the strongest healing vibrations will find that wearing healing gemstones directly on the skin brings the greatest benefit to their world.