Turquoise

     Turquoise is the accepted birthstone for December and is the accepted anniversary gemstone for the 11th year of marriage. Turquoise is formed by the action of percolating groundwater in aluminous rocks where copper is present, as in the vicinity of copper deposits. The name means "Turkish stone" because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. Some say that in the thirteenth century, Turquoise was named in the mistaken belief that it came from Turkey. Others say that the name comes from the Persian word for Turquoise, firouze, since Persia has been a major source of this gemstone for thousands of years. In any case, the blue of this gemstone is so vivid and distinct that it has given its name to the color! The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise). However, the United States southwest is now the world leader in production.     

     Turquoise has been a treasured gemstone around the world for thousands of years. It was used for beads by the Egyptians as early as 5500 BC. The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 BC. In many cultures, Turquoise is regarded as a harbinger of good fortune, success and health. Aztecs and Egyptians considered it a symbol of prosperity. In India, one was to wear a Turquoise on the little finger and look at the gem after seeing the new moon to gain great wealth. According to American Indians, the stone brought together the spirits of sea and sky to bless warriors and hunters; a Turquoise arrowhead assured accurate aim. A Navajo belief is that a piece of Turquoise cast into a river will cause rainfall. Ancient doctors exploited the stone's medicinal potential by making it into paste to treat ailments of the hip. The Egyptians also mounted Turquoise in Silver to treat eyes suffering from cataracts.

     From the thirteenth century comes the belief that Turquoise possessed the power to protect the wearer from injury by falling, especially from horseback; later, this was extended to cover falls from buildings or over a precipice. Turks often attached Turquoise to the bridles of their horses believing that it rendered the horse more sure-footed. As the horse was often regarded as a symbol of the sun in its rapid course through the heavens, the sky-blue color of Turquoise may have caused it to be associated in some way with the horse. During the 16th century, turquoise was used as currency, by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all. In Europe, Turquoise seems to have been worn almost exclusively by men at the beginning of the 17th century and was so highly regarded by them that no man considered his hand to be well adorned unless he wore a fine Turquoise.
 At that time the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics. 

     Colors in turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue green and apple green.In general the bluer the blue, the more highly valued. A clean, even texture without mottling or veins is also preferred, however some people like their Turquoise with veins, or "spiderwebs", which sets off the color.  Although large quantities of beautiful turquoise which have not been color enhanced are available, today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties of turquoise are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not be permanent. 

     Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

     Blue topaz and blue zircon have become a popular alternatives in recent years for those who prefer faceted stones.

TREATMENT: Commonly stabilized with paraffin wax or resin; sometimes dyed