Turquoise stands as one of the most historically profound and culturally significant gemstones in the world. For those born on December 11, it is the primary traditional birthstone, sharing the month with zircon and tanzanite. This opaque mineral, prized for its distinctive blue-to-green hues, has been cherished by civilizations from ancient Egypt to the American Southwest for over 9,000 years. Its journey from a revered talisman of protection and power to a modern symbol of individuality and style is a testament to its enduring appeal. This article explores the multifaceted nature of turquoise, delving into its rich history, geological origins, gemological properties, and the deep symbolism that continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts, jewelry buyers, and students of gemology.
The significance of turquoise extends far beyond its visual beauty. It is considered the world’s oldest gem material, with archaeological evidence tracing its use back to 7000 BCE in burial sites in western Iran. Its name, derived from the French "pierre tourques" or "Turkish stone," hints at its trade routes, though its origins are deeply rooted in the Middle East and the American continents. As a December birthstone, it offers a unique blend of historical gravitas and vibrant color, making it a meaningful choice for personal adornment and heirloom jewelry.
History and Lore
The historical narrative of turquoise is as colorful as the stone itself, spanning continents and millennia. Its use is documented in some of the earliest human settlements, establishing it as a gemstone with deep ancient roots.
Ancient Beginnings and Middle Eastern Reverence
Archaeological discoveries provide the earliest evidence of turquoise use. The stone was found in burial sites in western Iran dating back to 7000 BCE, marking it as a material of ceremonial and perhaps spiritual importance from the dawn of complex society. In ancient Egypt, turquoise was held in particularly high esteem. It was regarded as a holy stone, intrinsically linked to the goddess Hathor, who was also known as the "lady of turquoise." The Egyptians believed the gemstone brought good luck, fertility, and joy, and it was thought to improve the accuracy of warriors in battle. The funerary mask of King Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt over 3,000 years ago, is adorned with turquoise, underscoring its value in royal and religious contexts.
The stone’s journey through trade routes is reflected in its name. While the French term "pierre tourques" suggests a connection to Turkey, the primary sources of turquoise for centuries were in Persia (modern-day Iran). The Nishapur district of Iran has been a source of turquoise for over a thousand years, producing some of the finest-quality stones known for their uniform sky-blue color. In the Middle East, the stone was also highly valued. Ancient Egyptians mined turquoise in the Sinai region as early as 5500 BCE. The Arabic word "firuzah" (turquoise) is derived from a Persian word meaning "victory," reflecting the stone’s association with protection and good fortune.
Cultural Significance in Asia and Europe
Turquoise’s influence spread eastward into Asia, where it held a special place in Tibetan culture. In Tibet, turquoise is considered a national treasure, believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. Its color was thought to be derived from the sky, and it was often set in elaborate jewelry and religious artifacts. In China, turquoise has been carved and used in jewelry for at least 3,000 years, with historical records noting its use in decorative arts.
In European tradition, turquoise acquired romantic and symbolic meanings. A gift of a turquoise ring was interpreted as a pledge of "forget me not," making it a popular token of affection. The stone was also associated with the 11th wedding anniversary, a tradition that continues to this day. By the 13th century, the stone was widely known in Europe as the "Turkish stone," cementing its identity in the Western gemological lexicon.
Native American Lore and the American Southwest
Perhaps no culture is more famously associated with turquoise than the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest. For tribes such as the Apache, Pueblo, and Hopi, turquoise is a sacred stone woven into the fabric of their cosmology and daily life. The Apache believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, linking the stone to celestial phenomena and spiritual journeys. They also held that attaching turquoise to a bow or firearm would make one’s aim more accurate, a belief that underscores its role as a stone of protection and skill.
The Pueblo people maintained that the stone’s color came from the sky, a belief that connects turquoise to the heavens and the divine. The Hopi had a unique creation story, believing that the gem was produced by lizards scurrying over the earth, imbuing it with the life force of the land itself. These diverse beliefs highlight the stone’s profound integration into the spiritual and cultural practices of Native American societies, where it remains a vital element in ceremonial jewelry and art.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms in the near-surface environment through the alteration of pre-existing rocks. Its formation is a complex geochemical process that requires specific conditions, which explains why it is found in only a few regions of the world.
Formation Process
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, with the chemical formula CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. It forms when acidic, copper-rich water percolates through aluminum-bearing rocks, such as aluminous shales or volcanic tuffs. As the water evaporates or reacts with the host rock, it deposits the minerals that constitute turquoise. This process occurs in arid or semi-arid climates, which is why major turquoise deposits are typically found in desert regions.
The stone’s color is directly linked to its chemical composition. Copper imparts the classic blue hues, while the presence of iron creates greenish tones, and zinc can introduce a yellowish tint. This variation in color is a key factor in evaluating turquoise quality. The matrix—the host rock that remains embedded in the turquoise—also contributes to its unique appearance, with patterns ranging from fine, spiderweb-like veins to larger, more pronounced inclusions.
Major Mining Locations
Turquoise has been mined in numerous locations across the globe, each producing stones with distinct characteristics.
- Iran (Persia): The Nishapur district in Iran has been the source of the finest turquoise for over a millennium. Persian turquoise is renowned for its uniform, "sky blue" or "Robin's Egg Blue" color, often with little to no matrix. This color is highly prized in the gem and jewelry market.
- United States: The American Southwest is home to some of the most famous turquoise mines in the world. Mines in Arizona (such as Sleeping Beauty, Kingman, and Morenci), New Mexico (Lander Blue), and Nevada produce a wide variety of turquoise. American stones often feature a distinctive matrix and can range in color from deep blue to green. The stone is so integral to the region's culture that it is a symbol of the state of New Mexico.
- Mexico: Mexican turquoise, particularly from mines in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, is known for its vibrant colors and often high matrix content. Some varieties, like the "spiderweb" turquoise from the Cananea mine, are highly collectible.
- China: Chinese turquoise has been mined for centuries, with deposits in Hubei province being particularly significant. Chinese turquoise can vary in color and quality, but it has a long history of use in carvings and jewelry.
- Other Sources: Turquoise is also found in Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and other parts of the Middle East. The global distribution of these mines highlights the stone's geological rarity and the cultural importance of each source region.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the gemological properties of turquoise is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike. These properties determine the stone’s durability, appearance, and care requirements.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Turquoise is an opaque mineral with a trigonal crystal system. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 5 to 6, making it relatively soft compared to many other gemstones. This softness means it can be scratched by harder materials, including dust and dirt, which necessitates careful handling and storage.
The stone’s chemical composition, as noted, is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Its specific gravity typically ranges from 2.60 to 2.90, and it has a refractive index of about 1.61 to 1.65. Turquoise is rarely transparent; its opacity is due to its fine-grained, microcrystalline structure.
Color, Clarity, and Cut
Color is the most important factor in determining the value of turquoise. The most sought-after colors are the vivid, even blues of "Robin's Egg Blue," "Sky Blue," and "Persian Blue." Greenish hues, caused by iron, are also valued but typically command lower prices than pure blue varieties. The stone’s color can change over time due to the absorption of body oils and moisture, a characteristic that some collectors appreciate for the patina it develops.
Clarity in turquoise is assessed in terms of matrix and inclusions. A "clean" stone with no matrix is highly prized, but stones with attractive, well-distributed matrix patterns can also be valuable. The cut of turquoise is usually a cabochon (a polished, domed shape) to best display its color and opacity. Carat weight is less of a value driver than color and quality, as large, high-quality turquoise pieces are relatively common compared to other gemstones.
Treatments and Durability
Due to its porosity and variable quality, turquoise is often treated to enhance its color and stability. Common treatments include waxing, dyeing, and stabilization. Stabilization, which involves impregnating the stone with a clear resin, is the most common treatment. It reduces porosity, improves durability, and can enhance color uniformity. Dyeing is used to impart a more desirable blue color to lighter or greenish stones. Waxing is a traditional method used to impart a brighter luster.
These treatments are standard in the industry, but transparency is key. Reputable sellers should disclose any treatments applied to the stone. The relatively low hardness (5-6) of turquoise makes it susceptible to scratching and chipping, so it is best set in protective settings like bezels for rings intended for daily wear.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical beauty, turquoise is steeped in symbolism and metaphysical beliefs that have evolved over centuries. These associations add a layer of meaning that makes the stone particularly significant as a birthstone and a personal talisman.
Universal Themes of Protection and Good Fortune
Across many cultures, turquoise is consistently associated with protection, good fortune, and health. In ancient Egypt, it was a protective amulet for the living and the dead. Hindu mystics believed that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth. In Tibet, it is believed to grant health and protection from evil. This universal theme of protection is one of the stone’s most enduring legacies.
Cultural-Specific Beliefs
The metaphysical properties of turquoise are as diverse as the cultures that cherish it. In Native American traditions, as previously mentioned, it is linked to accuracy, spiritual vision, and a connection to the sky and earth. In European folklore, it was a symbol of fidelity and remembrance. The stone’s ability to change color was often interpreted as a sign of the wearer’s health or emotional state, a belief that added to its mystical reputation.
Modern Symbolism
Today, turquoise retains its symbolic power. It is often associated with tranquility, balance, and creativity. As a birthstone for December, it is said to bring peace and serenity to those born in that month. Its vibrant color is believed to uplift the spirit and inspire creativity. For many, wearing turquoise is a way to connect with a rich historical lineage and to carry a piece of ancient wisdom and natural beauty.
Care and Cleaning
Given its gemological properties, turquoise requires specific care to maintain its beauty and integrity. Proper maintenance ensures that a turquoise piece can be enjoyed for generations.
Cleaning Methods
Turquoise is sensitive to chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic vibrations. To clean turquoise jewelry, use a soft, damp cloth with mild, soapy water. Gently wipe the stone and its setting, then rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking the jewelry for extended periods, as this can weaken the stone over time.
Important: Never use harsh chemicals, such as ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the stone’s surface and cause discoloration. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are also unsuitable for turquoise, as the vibrations and heat can cause cracking, especially in stones that are porous or contain matrix inclusions.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage is crucial for preserving turquoise. Store each piece separately in a soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder gemstones or metals. Turquoise should be kept away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, as prolonged exposure can cause the stone to dry out, lose its color, or become brittle.
It is advisable to remove turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that could expose it to physical impact, chemicals, or excessive moisture, such as cleaning, swimming, or sports. Applying cosmetics, perfumes, and hairsprays before putting on turquoise jewelry can also help minimize exposure to chemicals.
Professional Maintenance
For intricate settings or pieces that have accumulated significant grime, professional cleaning by a qualified jeweler is recommended. A professional can assess the stone’s condition, check the security of the setting, and use appropriate methods to clean and restore the piece without causing damage.
Conclusion
Turquoise, the primary birthstone for December 11, is a gemstone of unparalleled historical depth, cultural significance, and visual appeal. From its earliest use in 7000 BCE in ancient Iran to its revered status in Native American culture and its enduring popularity in modern jewelry, turquoise has consistently symbolized protection, good fortune, and a connection to the natural world. Its distinctive blue-to-green hues, derived from copper and iron, and its unique matrix patterns make each stone a unique work of art.
While its relative softness (Mohs 5-6) requires careful handling and cleaning, this characteristic also speaks to its organic, earthy nature. Whether set in a traditional Navajo squash blossom necklace, a Persian cabochon ring, or a contemporary designer piece, turquoise carries a story. For those born on December 11, it is more than a birthstone; it is a link to a timeless legacy, a talisman of peace and creativity, and a vibrant testament to the enduring beauty of the natural world.