Introduction
For those born in December, the birthstone selection is notably diverse, featuring four distinct blue gems: Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz, and Turquoise. Among these, Turquoise stands out as the traditional and oldest birthstone for the month, boasting a history that spans millennia and cultures. This semi-translucent to opaque gem, celebrated for its unique blue-to-green hues and distinctive matrix patterns, has been cherished not only for its beauty but also for its perceived protective powers. While modern alternatives like Tanzanite offer rarity and Blue Topaz provides durability, Turquoise remains the definitive emblem of December. This article explores the rich history, geological origins, gemological properties, and enduring symbolism of Turquoise, drawing upon historical records and gemological studies to present a comprehensive profile of this ancient gem.
History and Lore
The history of Turquoise is as vibrant as the gem itself, with evidence of its use dating back thousands of years. It is one of the earliest gems to be mined and worked by human hands. According to historical accounts, Chinese artisans were carving Turquoise more than 3,000 years ago, while the pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with the stone, regarding it as a symbol of wealth and status.
The gemstone’s journey to Europe and its eventual naming is a story of trade and geography. Turquoise was originally mined in Persia and along the Sinai Peninsula. It traveled to European markets through Constantinople, Turkey, which gave the gemstone its name; "turquoise" is derived from the French phrase pierre tourques, meaning "Turkish stone." This geographical path highlights the gem's significance in ancient trade routes.
Beyond its ornamental use, Turquoise has been a powerful talisman across various civilizations. In Tibet, the gemstone was highly revered, considered a birthstone of fortune, health, and success. Its utility was so great that it was often used as currency. The stone was also integral to the spiritual lives of Native Americans of the Southwest, who associated it with youth and strength. The Apache people believed that Turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, imbuing the stone with celestial connections.
Perhaps the most enduring lore surrounding Turquoise is its role as a protective amulet. From the 13th century onward, it was widely believed to protect the wearer from falls, particularly from horses, and was thought to shatter into pieces as a warning of approaching disaster. Hindu mystics believed that viewing a Turquoise after seeing the new moon would ensure fantastic wealth. Additionally, it was prized by lovers and married couples as a gemstone that protected relationships and preserved friendship when given as a gift. Ancient beliefs even suggested that the stone could warn of illness by changing color, becoming pale to alert its wearer.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, formed in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater percolates through aluminum-bearing rocks. This geological process occurs over millions of years, depositing the turquoise mineral in veins and nodules within the host rock. The presence of copper dictates the stone's characteristic blue color, while iron impurities often shift the hue toward green.
Historically, the primary sources of Turquoise were the mines of Persia (modern-day Iran) and the Sinai Peninsula. However, significant deposits have also been found and utilized in the Southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. The U.S. sources are historically significant, as the Apache tribes associated the stone with the rainbow and believed it held the power to bring success in hunting and battle.
Today, while mines in Iran still produce high-quality "Persian Turquoise" known for its pure sky-blue color and lack of matrix, the United States remains a notable producer. The stone is also mined in other parts of the world, though the historical and cultural weight of the gem remains heavily tied to its ancient origins in the Middle East and North America.
Gemological Properties
Turquoise is defined by a specific set of physical characteristics that distinguish it from other blue gemstones. Understanding these properties is essential for identification and appreciation.
- Hardness: On the Mohs scale of hardness, Turquoise ranks between 5 and 6. This makes it a relatively soft gemstone compared to others like Topaz (which ranks 8). Consequently, it is susceptible to scratching and abrasion and requires careful handling.
- Color and Appearance: The gem ranges from blue to green, often depending on the specific iron and copper content within the stone. A highly prized variety is the "sky blue" or "robin's egg blue" color.
- Transparency: Turquoise is typically semi-translucent to opaque. High-quality stones that are semi-translucent are often more valuable.
- Matrix: One of the most identifying features of Turquoise is the presence of "matrix." This refers to veins of the host rock (remnants of the rock in which the stone formed) that remain within the gem, creating a spiderweb or veined pattern. The color and pattern of the matrix can significantly affect the stone's value and aesthetic appeal.
- Chemical Composition: As noted, it is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. Its chemical stability is generally good, but it can be affected by heat, chemicals, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, which may cause discoloration.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The metaphysical beliefs associated with Turquoise are as deep as the stone's color. For centuries, it has been viewed as a stone of protection, healing, and good fortune. The belief that it guarantees health and good fortune is a recurring theme in historical texts. In many cultures, it was considered a direct link to the spiritual world, serving as a conduit for divine wisdom and protection against evil forces.
In ancient times, a frog engraved on Beryl (another December birthstone according to some lists) was thought to reconcile enemies, but Turquoise held its own specific powers regarding relationships. It was widely accepted as a symbol of undying youth and was believed to bring happy news to those who dreamt of it.
The stone’s connection to the sky and water, as suggested by the Apache legend of the rainbow, reinforces its symbolism of life, renewal, and spiritual grounding. It is often referred to as a "stone of the heavens," believed to offer protection during travel and to bring peace to the mind. Even today, many crystal healers attribute calming and balancing properties to Turquoise, using it to align the chakras and foster emotional stability.
Care and Cleaning
Given its moderate hardness and porous nature, Turquoise requires specific care to maintain its beauty and integrity. It is not a gemstone that can be treated with the same casualness as harder stones like diamonds or sapphires.
- Durability: With a hardness of 5 to 6, Turquoise is soft enough to be scratched by everyday materials, including dust (which often contains quartz particles harder than Turquoise). It is also prone to chipping if struck against a hard surface. Therefore, it is best suited for jewelry that is worn with care, such as pendants or earrings, rather than daily-wear rings.
- Cleaning: Turquoise is sensitive to heat, chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners should never be used, as the heat and vibrations can damage the stone or cause discoloration. The best method for cleaning Turquoise is simply using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. After cleaning, the stone should be dried thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Stabilization: Because natural Turquoise can be porous and soft, many stones on the market are treated or stabilized to enhance their durability and color. This involves impregnating the stone with wax or plastic or using chemicals to harden it. While this makes the stone more suitable for jewelry, it also means that harsh chemicals or solvents can damage these treatments.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains a cornerstone of December's birthstone lineup, offering a unique combination of historical depth, geological fascination, and cultural significance. While modern gemstones like Tanzanite and Blue Topaz have been added to the list to provide more options, Turquoise holds the distinction of being the traditional gem associated with the month. Its journey from the ancient mines of Persia and the Sinai to the jewelry boxes of today is a testament to its timeless appeal. Whether valued for its protective lore, its distinctive blue-green color and matrix, or simply its aesthetic beauty, Turquoise continues to be a gemstone of profound importance to gem enthusiasts and those born in the twelfth month.