Turquoise stands as the oldest and most traditional birthstone for December, a gem revered for millennia for its distinctive sky-blue to green hues and its deep connections to human culture. While December boasts several modern birthstones, turquoise’s historical precedence and enduring symbolism grant it a unique status among gem enthusiasts, historians, and collectors. This article explores the comprehensive story of turquoise, from its geological origins and gemological properties to its rich tapestry of historical lore and practical care guidelines, drawing exclusively from authoritative sources.
Historical Significance and Lore
Turquoise has been cherished by royalty, mystics, and common people across continents and centuries. Its use dates back to ancient civilizations, where it was not merely an ornament but a talisman of protection, health, and prosperity. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) notes that turquoise adorns the funerary mask of King Tut, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, highlighting its esteemed status in antiquity.
In Persian tradition, turquoise from the Nishapur district of Iran has been mined for over a millennium. This region’s deposits are famed for producing an intense, evenly saturated sky-blue color, often described as "robin’s egg blue" or "Persian blue." Such stones were historically prized for their purity, durability, and remarkable hue, with minimal to nonexistent matrix (the dark veining that can appear in turquoise). The value of Persian turquoise was so high that it became a symbol of wealth and protection. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth, a belief that underscores the stone’s association with cosmic cycles and fortune.
In the Americas, turquoise held profound spiritual meaning for Native American tribes. The Apache believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, linking the gem to celestial phenomena. They also thought that attaching the stone to a bow or firearm made one’s aim more accurate, attributing it with protective and enhancing powers. The Pueblo people believed the gem’s color came from the sky, while the Hopi attributed its creation to lizards scurrying across the earth. These diverse legends reflect the stone’s integral role in the cultural and spiritual lives of indigenous peoples.
European folklore added another layer of symbolism. The gift of a turquoise ring was said to convey the message "forget me not," a poignant expression of enduring affection. In Tibet, turquoise is considered a national treasure, believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. It is also the traditional gem for the 11th wedding anniversary, symbolizing lasting peace and harmony.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral, specifically a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, formed through the interaction of copper-rich groundwater with aluminum-bearing rocks in arid regions. This geological process can take millions of years, resulting in veins or nodules within host rock. The stone’s color, ranging from sky blue to greenish-yellow, is directly influenced by the presence of copper (blue) and iron (green). The distinctive matrix—dark veining or spiderweb patterns—is composed of the host rock, often iron oxide or other minerals, which becomes embedded during formation.
The geographic sources of turquoise are as varied as its lore. Historically, the most significant source of high-quality turquoise was the Nishapur district in Iran, which has been mined for over 1,000 years. The stones from this region are renowned for their pure, even color and minimal matrix, setting a global standard for quality.
In the United States, turquoise mining has a rich history. Until the 1920s, New Mexico was the largest producer, but today, most U.S. production comes from Arizona and Nevada. Arizona’s mines, such as the Kingman mine, are historically important for producing intense blue turquoise. The Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona, now closed, was a prolific producer for over four decades, known for its pure, robin’s-egg blue color with exceptionally low to absent matrix. Other notable U.S. mines include Dry Creek, Easter Blue, Emerald Valley, and Fox, each yielding stones with unique characteristics.
Today, China is the world’s largest producer of turquoise. The Hubei Province in central China is the primary source of most gem-quality turquoise currently mined. Other sources mentioned include Egypt, Mexico, and parts of Central Asia and Africa, though the specific qualities of turquoise from these regions are less detailed in the provided materials.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of turquoise is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and collectors. The following table summarizes the key gemological characteristics based on the provided sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum (not explicitly stated, but implied by description as a copper-aluminum phosphate mineral) |
| Color Range | Sky blue, robin's egg blue, green, greenish-yellow; can exhibit dark brown or black matrix veins. |
| Transparency | Semi-transparent to opaque. |
| Luster | Can be waxy, glassy, or dull in appearance. |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5 to 6. This makes turquoise relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. |
| Durability | Moderate; can be brittle. Some turquoise is treated to improve durability. |
| Crystal System | Triclinic (not explicitly stated in sources, but standard for turquoise). |
| Common Treatments | Dyeing, stabilization with epoxy or acrylic resin to enhance color and hardness. |
The Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 means turquoise is softer than quartz (7) and much softer than diamond (10). This necessitates careful handling, as it can be scratched by harder materials. Its porosity and potential for chemical alteration also influence its care and setting in jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical beauty, turquoise is steeped in symbolic meaning and metaphysical beliefs across cultures. Traditionally, it is associated with protection, friendship, wisdom, tranquility, and good health. The GIA notes that it imparts peace to those who wear it, while other sources highlight its role in promoting positive energy, happiness, and spirituality.
In Native American belief systems, turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from harm, including falls and negative energy. It was also believed to enhance aim and accuracy, a practical application of its protective properties. Hindu mystics linked it to wealth and cosmic alignment, believing its appearance after a new moon could bring fortune.
The stone’s connection to the sky and water (evident in its color and name, from the French pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone") reinforces its symbolism of life, clarity, and emotional balance. In Tibetan culture, it is a national treasure believed to grant health and ward off evil. These enduring beliefs contribute to turquoise’s status as a stone of peace and spiritual grounding.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its moderate hardness and potential porosity, turquoise requires specific care to maintain its appearance and integrity. The sources emphasize that turquoise should be handled with care, particularly in jewelry settings.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Turquoise can be damaged by acids, perfumes, lotions, and household cleaners. These substances can alter its color or degrade its surface.
- Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners and Steam: The vibrations and heat from ultrasonic cleaners and steam can cause cracks or damage, especially in stones that have been stabilized or dyed.
- Cleaning Method: The safest way to clean turquoise is with a soft, damp cloth. Use mild soap if necessary, and dry thoroughly. Avoid prolonged soaking in water.
- Storage: Store turquoise jewelry separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from harder gemstones or metal parts.
- Setting Considerations: Because of its softness, turquoise is often set in protective settings, such as bezels, especially for rings or bracelets that experience daily wear. It is excellent for necklaces and pendants, where it is less likely to be knocked.
Some turquoise is treated to improve durability. Treatments such as dyeing or stabilization with epoxy or acrylic resin can enhance color and hardness, but they also affect care requirements. Always inquire about treatments when purchasing turquoise jewelry.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains the quintessential December birthstone, a gem whose appeal transcends time and geography. Its journey from ancient Persian mines to the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, from the rainbows of Apache lore to the jewelry of modern royalty, illustrates a profound and enduring legacy. Geologically, it is a product of specific and rare conditions, yielding a spectrum of blues and greens that captivate the eye. Gemologically, its softness demands respect and careful handling, but its unique beauty makes it a favorite for artistic jewelry design.
For those born in December, turquoise offers more than just a birthstone; it carries a story of protection, wisdom, and peace. Whether chosen for its historical significance, its symbolic meanings, or its stunning color, turquoise continues to be a treasured gemstone, bridging the ancient world with the present. As the primary traditional birthstone for the month, it stands as a testament to the timeless human attraction to the beauty and mystery of the natural world.