Turquoise

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• A bright vivid sky blue, often with white or black veins, or gold speckles.

• Ranks 6 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.

• Mined in USA, Mexico, Australia, Russia and Tibet – one of the earliest minded stones, the Egyptians were mining it 6000 years ago. Demand outstripped supply even then, with imitation turquoise found in tombs from 4000 years ago.

• Turquoise can be either more blue (copper causes the blue) or more green (iron causes the green), and is found in rocks in arid regions, appearing as veins or nodules.

• It’s a very porous stone, so absorbs perfume & other chemicals, which corrodes the colour.

PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

• Physically it’s said to absorb nutrients (as it’s porous) so strengthens the body.

• The copper content makes it good for the throat, lungs and respiration.

• Emotionally it eases communication and creative expression.

• It helps form friendships, encourages loyalty and encourages success.

ANECDOTES…

• Some say it changes colour to warn the wearer of impending illness.

• It’s said to help find courage and confidence if worn around the neck while public speaking.

• It’s sacred to the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico.

• The ancient Aztecs used it in ritual masks, such as that of their God Quetzalcoatl.

• The Buddha used turquoise to free himself from frightening entities.

• It’s thought to protect against dark forces in Persian Bedouin & Chinese mythology.