Turquoise is the opaque, blue to green stone, known for its charm, elegance and positive energy. Turquoise stone symbolizes hope, wisdom, tranquility, protection, and prosperity. For thousands of years, people used this charming stone in jewelry and as ornamental stone to reap its positive vibes and energy. This stone is equally popular in young and adults all around the globe. There are several interesting facts about turquoise you probably didn’t know before. Here, in this article, we will cover some of most exciting and informative stuff about the turquoise:
Similarly, Southwestern tribes believed the stone attracted life-giving water. Therefore, they used it in rituals so as to please and request the rain god to release heaven's waters upon the earth.
Turkish and Persians also adore turquoise and believe its positive energies. Therefore, they use it in traditional jewelry, to embellish their swords, their armor, even the horse's bridles and saddles.
Greek maidens wore turquoise as a symbol of their purity. In European countries, people often gift turquoise gifts to their loved ones.
The value of turquoise is often estimated through the richness of its color. The blue turquoise is the most desired color. Another of interesting facts about turquoise is that it changes color. In many cultures, people believe that the color change is the sign of impending danger to the person wearing it. Thus, when it changes color, it’s an alarm to seek shelter and protection.
However, it changes its color due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, cosmetics and heat.
14 exciting and interesting facts about turquoise you shouldn’t miss!
Let’s start!1. What does turquoise stone symbolize?
Since ancient times, people believe in the healing and protecting powers of turquoise as well as its tranquil energy and association with enduring love. Overall, turquoise is cherished for it tranquilizing and soothing effects, its healing powers and protection. It is said that when a person wears this stone, it infuses mental calm, wisdom, intellect and courage. Turquoise is the symbol of enduring love. Therefore, couples often use it in their wedding rings and gift on their anniversary.
2. Turquoise in different cultures!
People in past would use blue (turquoise) talisman for protection for horses and their riders. Still today, many believe that one should wear turquoise jewelry when travelling by air. They believe that it will protect them and give courage. Early Native American tribes believed it to be related to god of the sky. Moreover, shamans used this stone as a channel between heaven and Earth. They believe turquoise as “the stone of heaven” and thus they relied on it to channelize the healing energies of the cosmos. People used it to make talisman for swordsmen and also decorate arrows with it during battles. They believed that this powerful stone will protect them and improve their aim and accuracy.
Similarly, Southwestern tribes believed the stone attracted life-giving water. Therefore, they used it in rituals so as to please and request the rain god to release heaven's waters upon the earth.
Turkish and Persians also adore turquoise and believe its positive energies. Therefore, they use it in traditional jewelry, to embellish their swords, their armor, even the horse's bridles and saddles.
Greek maidens wore turquoise as a symbol of their purity. In European countries, people often gift turquoise gifts to their loved ones.
3. The name “turquoise” means “Turkish stone”!
The word Turquoise is derived from the French root "pierre tourques" meaning “the Turkish stone". This is because the Turkish first brought this mineral to Europe in 17th century. The Turks mined this precious mineral from the historical mines of Khorasan of Persia.4. It is the oldest gemstone in history of the world!
Turquoise is known as the gemstone of life. You may not know but this is the oldest gemstone in the history. The earliest records of turquoise being used in jewelry or in ornaments are from Egypt. These charming stones have been found in royal burials over 6000 years old. Most valuable gems have been recovered from the Tutankhamen’s tomb. Pharaoh’s iconic burial mask was copiously inlaid with this stone. Therefore, turquoise jewelry is the world’s oldest jewelry. On the other hand, the Persian miners mined certain varieties of this mineral some 4000 years ago.
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In 2005, another of antique is discovered in the Erlitou relic’s site in Yanshi City of central China's Henan Province. The historians suggest that this site was once the capital of China's first dynasty - the Xia Dynasty. The antique is about 3700-year-old and it’s a dragon, made up of over 2,000 pieces of precious turquoise.5. People use it for its healing powers!
Turquoise is well-known for its healing powers. Still today, many people wear its ring or talisman so as to channelize its healing powers. In Ancient Persian Empire, people used to wear it around the neck or wrist to help protect against unnatural death, disease and adversities.
6. The only gemstone to have an official color named after it!
Turquoise is the opaque, blue-to-green colored mineral. Its color is unique, vibrant, versatile and simply elegant that it has been ordained an official color in itself. No other gemstone has this honor till date.
7. Turquoise comes in different colors!
This precious mineral has range of colors, from Persian blue to Himalayan green. Turquoise that comes from the Himalayan ground has a distinctive greenish color. On the other hand, turquoise that comes from the mines of Persia and Egypt are quite blue in color and have less obvious veining on their surface.8. What makes the color turquoise?
Turquoise is the hydrated phosphate of aluminum with traces of copper. Moreover, the difference levels of copper and aluminum present in the water that flows through the rocks are the reason behind characteristic veining on its surface. The blue color of the mineral is because of its copper. Additionally, if it contains iron, it is of greenish shade. Turquoise mineral will be a yellowish color, if it contains zinc.9. For what purpose turquoise stone is good for?
As mentioned earlier, turquoise is believed to be sacred stones that bring positivity in life. The stone is good for getting rid of negative energy. Wearing this gemstone makes a person tranquil, happy and also boosts his/her self confidence.
10. Where does turquoise come from?
The mineral turquoise is among the first gemstones to be mined. For about 2000 years, Iran has been one of the major contributors of turquoise stone. Initially, Iranian named it "pērōzah" meaning "success and victory". Later, Arabs changed its name to "fayrūzah". Turquoise is widely used in historical Iranian architecture. Its vibrant blue color is considered to be the symbol of heaven on earth. Furthermore, turquoise deposits are found in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Virginia, and Utah.11. What birthstone is turquoise?
Turquoise is the December birthstone. The experts recommend wearing this mineral. It infuses positive vibes and personality traits, enhances creativity, wisdom and brings prosperity and success in life. Also Read: Interesting facts about Beaches12. Blue turquoise is the most expensive of all!
Of all the known varieties of turquoise, blue Turquoise (also known as Persian blue) is most popular and most expensive. It is mined from Nishapur district of Iran.13. Lander Blue Spiderweb Turquoise is the rarest of turquoise!
Lander Blue Spiderweb Turquoise is the rarest of all turquoise varieties. This mineral’s deposits are found in Nevada. Other rare and precious turquoise stones include Carico Lake turquoise, Bisebee, Stennich, Damele and Darling Darlene Turquoise.
The value of turquoise is often estimated through the richness of its color. The blue turquoise is the most desired color. Another of interesting facts about turquoise is that it changes color. In many cultures, people believe that the color change is the sign of impending danger to the person wearing it. Thus, when it changes color, it’s an alarm to seek shelter and protection.
However, it changes its color due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, cosmetics and heat.
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