Turquoise stands as one of the most historically significant and visually distinctive gemstones in the world. Recognized for its captivating sky-blue to green hues, often interlaced with intricate matrix patterns, this opaque mineral has been treasured by civilizations spanning from ancient Egypt to the American Southwest. As the primary birthstone for the month of December, turquoise carries a weight of symbolism and lore that transcends mere aesthetics. It is a stone of protection, wisdom, and good fortune, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of numerous societies. This article explores the multifaceted nature of turquoise, detailing its historical journey, geological origins, gemological characteristics, and the metaphysical beliefs that have sustained its popularity for millennia.
The significance of turquoise as a December birthstone was formally standardized in the early 20th century, yet its association with the last month of the year has roots in much older traditions. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its unique color but also in the rich tapestry of stories and beliefs woven around it. From the funerary masks of pharaohs to the intricate silverwork of Native American artisans, turquoise has consistently been a gem of high status and profound meaning. For those born in December, it offers a connection to a lineage of history that is as deep and vibrant as the stone itself.
History and Lore: A Journey Through Time
The history of turquoise is as ancient as the gem itself. Evidence suggests that it was one of the very first gemstones to be mined by humankind, with archaeological records tracing its use back as far as 8,000 years to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians revered this stone, incorporating it into jewelry and amulets with the firm belief that it could ward off evil spirits and attract good luck. Its most famous historical application is perhaps its adornment of the funerary mask of King Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. This placement underscores the stone's perceived power to protect and guide the soul in the afterlife.
Beyond Egypt, turquoise was highly valued in ancient Persia. For over a millennium, the region of Nishapur in Iran has been a source of exceptionally high-quality turquoise. The stone from this area became so prized for its uniform, intense blue color that it established a global benchmark for quality. The terms "robin's egg blue," "sky blue," and "Persian blue" were coined to describe this specific hue, and trade professionals continue to use these descriptors today to denote color quality, regardless of the stone's actual geographic origin.
The tradition of associating turquoise with the month of December has European and Asian roots. Polish and Russian cultures were instrumental in incorporating turquoise into their birthstone calendars as the gem for the final month of the year. Although the practice waned in Europe from the 15th to the 20th century, it was revitalized in the United States in 1912. The American National Jewelers Association, now known as Jewelers of America, released a standardized list of birthstones that officially designated turquoise as the birthstone for December, a classification that has been widely accepted ever since.
Turquoise also holds a significant place in the lore of the Americas. The Apache people believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, linking the gem to celestial phenomena and ultimate treasure. They also held that attaching the stone to a bow or firearm would ensure accuracy in aim, a belief that highlights its perceived power to enhance skill and provide protection in conflict. The Pueblo tribes attributed the stone's color to the sky, while the Hopi believed it was created by the scurrying of lizards across the earth, imbuing it with the energy of the land itself.
In Tibetan culture, turquoise is considered a national treasure, believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. It is also associated with imparting peace to the wearer. A poignant European tradition holds that the gift of a turquoise ring symbolizes "forget me not," a sentiment of enduring affection and memory. Furthermore, turquoise is recognized as the official gem for the 11th wedding anniversary, solidifying its status as a stone of lasting commitment and celebration.
Geological Formation and Global Sources
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum that forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater percolates through aluminum-bearing rocks. This process, occurring over millions of years, results in the deposition of turquoise in veins and nodules within the host rock. The presence of copper is responsible for the gem's characteristic blue color, while traces of iron can shift the hue toward green. The host rock often becomes part of the final gemstone, appearing as a distinctive brown or black webbing known as matrix.
The Nishapur district of Iran has been a premier source of turquoise for over 1,000 years. The material from this region is renowned for its "robin's egg blue" color and is often found with little to no matrix, making it exceptionally valuable. While New Mexico was the largest producer of turquoise in the United States until the 1920s, the majority of domestic production today comes from Arizona and Nevada. Arizona's Kingman mine is a historically important source known for its intense blue turquoise. The now-closed Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona was a prolific producer for more than four decades, and its material is still highly sought after. Mines in Nevada, such as those with evocative names like Dry Creek and Easter Blue, contribute to the American turquoise legacy, often producing stones with a greenish tint and complex matrix patterns.
In the modern market, China is the world's largest producer of turquoise. The Hubei Province in central China is the source of most of the gem-quality turquoise currently being mined. While Chinese turquoise can vary in color and quality, it supplies a significant portion of the global demand for this beloved gemstone.
Gemological Properties of Turquoise
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of turquoise is essential for appreciating its characteristics as a gemstone and for ensuring its proper care. As an opaque mineral, its value is determined more by its color, uniformity, and texture than by its transparency.
Key Gemological Properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈ · 4H₂O (Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate) |
| Color | Ranges from sky blue to greenish blue; often contains brown or black matrix veins. |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 5 to 6 |
| Crystal System | Triclinic |
| Luster | Waxy to subvitreous (subtly glass-like) |
| Transparency | Opaque |
| Sources | Iran (Nishapur), USA (Arizona, Nevada), China (Hubei), and others. |
Color and Matrix: The most prized color for turquoise is an even, intense blue, often described as "sky blue" or "robin's egg blue." However, the color spectrum extends to various shades of green, which are caused by higher concentrations of iron substituting for copper in the mineral's structure. Many turquoise specimens exhibit a matrix, which is the remnants of the host rock (often limonite, chert, or iron-stained clay) visible within the stone. The matrix can appear as a fine, uniform network or as bold, spidery veins. Some collectors prize "spiderweb matrix" patterns, particularly when the webbing is a contrasting black or dark brown against a light blue background.
Hardness and Durability: With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, turquoise is considered a relatively soft gemstone. This makes it susceptible to scratching and abrasion if not handled with care. It is also porous and can be affected by chemicals, lotions, and even the natural oils and acidity of skin. This inherent softness and porosity are why turquoise is often treated to enhance its durability and appearance.
Treatments and Stabilization: Due to its porous nature, a significant amount of turquoise on the market has undergone some form of treatment. These treatments are standard industry practices aimed at stabilizing the stone and improving its color and polish. Turquoise can be dyed to enhance or uniform its color. More commonly, it is treated with an epoxy or acrylic resin. This process, known as stabilization, fills the microscopic pores within the stone, which serves several purposes: it increases the hardness, prevents the stone from absorbing oils and dirt, and locks in the color, preventing it from fading or changing over time. While some purists seek out untreated natural turquoise, stabilized turquoise offers greater durability and consistency for use in jewelry.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The allure of turquoise extends far beyond its physical beauty, delving into a world of symbolism and metaphysical properties that have been ascribed to it across cultures and centuries. These beliefs have made it a meaningful gift and a powerful personal talisman.
Core Symbolic Meanings: * Protection: This is perhaps the most universal attribute of turquoise. Historically, it was believed to be a powerful shield against negative energy, evil spirits, and physical harm. It was often worn by warriors and travelers for safe passage. * Healing and Tranquility: Turquoise is widely associated with healing, both physical and emotional. It is thought to soothe the throat and respiratory system and to calm the mind, bringing inner peace and tranquility to the wearer. * Wisdom and Truth: The stone is considered a conduit for honest communication and clarity of thought. It is believed to foster wisdom, sound judgment, and the courage to speak one's truth. * Good Fortune and Success: Many cultures believe that turquoise attracts luck, prosperity, and positive opportunities. Hindu mystics, for instance, maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth. * Love and Friendship: Symbolizing trust, loyalty, and enduring relationships, turquoise is a popular gift between friends and romantic partners, representing a bond that is pure and lasting.
These symbolic qualities have made turquoise a stone of profound personal significance, chosen not only for its aesthetic appeal but for the positive attributes it is believed to bring into one's life.
Care and Cleaning
Given its Mohs hardness of 5 to 6 and its potential porosity, turquoise requires specific care to maintain its beauty and integrity. It is not a gemstone that can be treated with the same casualness as a diamond or sapphire.
Practical Care Guidelines: 1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Turquoise is highly susceptible to damage from chemicals. This includes household cleaners, perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and even the natural acidity of some skin types. These substances can cause the stone to discolor, become dull, or have its surface etched. It is advisable to put on turquoise jewelry after applying cosmetics. 2. Protect from Scratches and Impacts: Due to its relative softness, turquoise can be easily scratched by harder materials. Store it separately from other jewelry, preferably in a soft cloth bag or a lined jewelry box. Avoid wearing it during activities that could cause impact or abrasion, such as gardening, sports, or heavy manual work. 3. Cleaning Method: The safest way to clean turquoise is with warm, soapy water and a very soft brush (like a baby toothbrush). Gently scrub the surface and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or steam cleaner, as the high heat and vibrations can cause irreparable damage, especially to stabilized or treated stones. After washing, dry the stone completely with a soft, lint-free cloth. 4. Avoid Prolonged Immersion in Water: While a quick rinse is fine, prolonged soaking in water can potentially loosen the matrix in some specimens or affect any resin fillings used in stabilization.
By following these simple guidelines, owners of turquoise jewelry can ensure that their pieces remain vibrant and beautiful for generations, preserving both the stone's physical integrity and its symbolic value.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a gemstone of remarkable depth, embodying a rich blend of geological rarity, historical importance, and profound symbolism. As the designated birthstone for December, it offers a tangible link to ancient traditions and a spectrum of meanings that resonate with themes of protection, healing, and wisdom. From the "robin's egg blue" deposits of Iran to the matrix-laced stones of the American Southwest, its geographic origins are as diverse as the cultures that have cherished it. Understanding its gemological properties, particularly its moderate hardness and porosity, is key to appreciating and preserving this cherished stone. Whether chosen for its celestial color, its storied past, or its perceived metaphysical benefits, turquoise remains a timeless and meaningful gem, a true treasure of the mineral world and a perfect emblem for those born in the month of December.