Origin

Turquoise is found in North American in the dry areas of Arizona and New Mexico. It is also found in China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Persia.  Its range of color varies from green and greenish blue to sky blue shades.

The Aztecs mined turquoise in an area now known as New Mexico and a significant amount of turquoise comes from Arizona, California and Nevada in the United States.

Be aware of what you are purchasing.  A few terms to know about turquoise:

• Stabilization: uses pressure and heat to fill the microscopic gaps in the stone with plastic resin to prevent chipping and in color changes from contact with skin oils.

• Wax Treatment: common surface treatment from China to deepen and stabilize color.

• Simulated or “Block” mixes resin and dyes with no actual turquoise in this mix, it is entirely man made and it is used extensively for inlay work.

History / Mythology

Turquoise has always been considered a stone of life, used in religion, art, trade, treaty negotiations, and jewelry. Turquoise is the official birth stones for the month of December as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and the Planetary stone for Aquarius, Taurus and Sagittarius.

Turquoise history dates back over 6000 years. Turquoise has been used as valuable ornamentation for ages and was used by the Egyptians thousands of years ago.  Archeological and literary references to the stone predate the Christian era by five millennia. It has been unearthed in tombs from ancient Egypt – specifically the 4 bracelets of Queen Zar, found on her mummified arm. These date back to the second ruler of the Egypt's First Dynasty, approximately 5500 B.C.   Aristotle and Pliny both refer to turquoise, as well as Marco Polo.

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Metaphysical Lore

Turquoise also has significant metaphysical properties.  This beautiful and amazing gemstone is the Angel Stone of Archangels Sandalphon who heals aggressive tendencies.

Turquiose has a long standing history of over a 1000 years with Native Americans who have used it extensively for protection and healing, and cloud busting during rain-making rituals.  It is a harmonizing stone that is said to alleviate nervousness, help with problem solving, relieve stress from a hectic life, and promote friendship. It is also well known for its protective qualities and many cultures carry a turquoise stone with them at all times.

(Astrological Signs of)

Vibrates to the number

Medicinal Lore

Turquoise has been used for headaches, eye problems, fever and insect bites to name just a few. It was ground to a powder then drank to cure stomach ailments.