Turquoise: The Ancient Blue-Green Guardian of December

Introduction

As the final month of the year descends, the birthstone for December offers a vibrant counterpoint to the winter landscape. Turquoise, a gemstone celebrated for its distinctive blue to green hues, stands as one of the oldest and most culturally significant gems in human history. Its status as a December birthstone is rooted in both geological rarity and a profound legacy of symbolism, spanning from the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs to the jewelry boxes of modern royalty. This article explores the multifaceted nature of turquoise, detailing its unique geological formation, its storied journey through ancient civilizations, its specific gemological properties, and the metaphysical beliefs that continue to attach to it. We will also provide practical guidance for the care and cleaning of this cherished stone, ensuring its longevity for generations to come.

History and Lore

The historical footprint of turquoise is vast, tracing back to some of the earliest civilizations. Its use is not merely decorative; it is deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs, social status, and protective amulets. The gemstone’s narrative begins in ancient Egypt, where it was one of the first gemstones utilized in jewelry. Archaeological evidence confirms its presence in Egyptian artifacts, including jewelry and decorations on tombs. The Egyptians ascribed powerful properties to the stone, believing it offered protection, brought happiness, and ensured a long life. This belief was so entrenched that turquoise adorned the funerary mask of King Tut, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, serving as a celestial guide in the afterlife.

The name "turquoise" itself offers a clue to its historical trade routes. It is believed to be derived from the French term pierre turquois, meaning "Turkish stone." This nomenclature reflects the gem’s journey through the Old World, where it was highly valued by the Persians, Egyptians, and Mongols. The Persians, in particular, held a deep affection for fine, sky-blue turquoise. Their appreciation was so profound that the term "Persian turquoise" has transcended its geographical origin to become a color grade, describing stones of an intense, even blue hue—often referred to as "robin’s egg blue" or "sky blue"—regardless of their actual source. Hindu mystics added another layer of lore, maintaining that beholding a turquoise after seeing the new moon would ensure fantastic wealth.

Turquoise’s significance extends beyond the Old World into the Americas. In the New World, the Aztecs and Incas utilized the stone, but it is the American Indian cultures of the Southwest that have brought it to the forefront of modern consciousness. The Apache people believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end. They also attributed practical, life-saving powers to the gem, attaching it to bows and firearms with the belief that it would improve a hunter’s or warrior’s aim. The Pueblo tribes held that the stone’s color was a direct gift from the sky, while the Hopi had a unique creation story, thinking the gem was produced by lizards scurrying over the earth.

In European tradition, turquoise carries a romantic connotation. The gift of a turquoise ring is said to signify "forget me not," a sentiment of enduring remembrance. In Tibet, turquoise is considered a national treasure, believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. This stone also marks modern milestones; it is the gem of the 11th wedding anniversary. A more modern royal connection is seen with Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, who famously wore an amethyst and turquoise necklace crafted by Cartier, further cementing the stone’s place in high society.

The journey of turquoise to becoming a recognized December birthstone is part of a broader historical shift. While turquoise has been cherished for millennia, its formal designation as a birthstone is a more recent development, stemming from standardized lists created in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its selection for December is fitting, as its vibrant color evokes the clear winter skies and the hopeful energy of the winter solstice, a time of introspection and transition.

Geological Formation and Sources

Turquoise is a secondary mineral, meaning it forms not from primary magma but through the interaction of existing minerals with water-rich fluids. It is a hydrated phosphate of aluminum and copper, with a chemical formula that can be expressed as CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. More simply, it forms in the oxidized zones of copper deposits where acidic, copper-rich water percolates through rocks containing aluminum and phosphorus. This process occurs near the Earth's surface, and the resulting gemstone is often found in veins or nodules within a host rock, known as matrix.

The gemstone’s most famous and historically significant source is the Nishapur district in Iran. Turquoise has been mined here for over a millennium, producing the prized, even-colored, intense blue material that set the standard for "Persian turquoise." The term is now universally recognized in the trade as a descriptor for top-quality blue turquoise, not a geographical indicator.

In the United States, turquoise mining has a rich history, particularly in the Southwest. New Mexico was the largest producer of turquoise in the U.S. until the 1920s. Today, the primary sources of American turquoise are Arizona and Nevada. Arizona’s Kingman mine is a historically important source known for producing intense blue turquoise. Another notable Arizona mine, the Sleeping Beauty mine, was a prolific producer for over four decades, though it is now closed to turquoise mining. Nevada is home to numerous mines with evocative names such as Dry Creek, Easter Blue, Emerald Valley, and Fox, each yielding turquoise with distinct color characteristics and matrix patterns.

In the modern market, China has emerged as 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 December birthstone.

Gemological Properties

Understanding the physical and chemical properties of turquoise is essential for gemologists, jewelers, and consumers alike. These properties define its appearance, durability, and value.

Chemical Composition and Structure: Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of aluminum and copper. Its chemical formula is CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O. The presence of copper gives the stone its blue color, while the amount of iron can shift the hue toward green. The water content is crucial, as dehydration can cause the stone to become brittle and lose color.

Color: The color range of turquoise spans from vivid sky blue to blue-green and apple green. The most valued color is an even, intense blue without a dark matrix, often described as "robin's egg blue." The color is directly influenced by the copper and iron content during formation.

Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, turquoise ranks between 5 and 6. This makes it a relatively soft gemstone, susceptible to scratching and abrasion. Its durability is also affected by its porosity and potential for dehydration. For this reason, turquoise is often stabilized or treated to enhance its hardness and color stability.

Clarity and Inclusions: Turquoise is typically an opaque gemstone, meaning it does not transmit light. It is almost always found with some form of inclusions, most commonly a dark or brownish host rock matrix. This matrix can appear as fine veins, spiderweb patterns, or larger blotches. The presence and pattern of the matrix are significant factors in determining the stone’s appearance and, in some cases, its value. Some high-quality turquoise is "matrix-free," displaying a solid, uniform color.

Cut: Due to its opacity and typical use in cabochon form, turquoise is not faceted. It is most commonly cut into domed cabochons for rings, pendants, and earrings. The stone is also frequently carved into beads, figurines, and ornamental objects, especially in Native American jewelry, where it is used in squash blossom necklaces and thunderbird motifs.

Treatments: The sources explicitly note that some turquoise is treated to improve its durability and appearance. Common treatments include: * Dyeing: To enhance or standardize color. * Impregnation: The stone is soaked in a colorless or colored epoxy or acrylic resin. This process, often called stabilization, fills the stone’s pores, increasing its hardness (often to a Mohs hardness of 6 or higher), improving its polish, and preventing dehydration and color loss. Stabilization is a common and accepted industry practice for many turquoise varieties.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

Beyond its physical beauty, turquoise is steeped in a rich tapestry of symbolism and metaphysical beliefs that have persisted for centuries. These beliefs, drawn from diverse cultures, often align around themes of protection, healing, and communication.

A Universal Talisman of Protection: Across many cultures, turquoise has been regarded as a powerful protective stone. Ancient Egyptians used it in amulets for this purpose. In ancient Persia, it was worn to protect against unnatural death. The Apache belief in its ability to improve aim speaks to a practical, protective function. This legacy continues today, with many viewing turquoise as a "spiritual shield" or an "energetic shield" that guards the wearer from negative energies and harm.

Healing and Well-being: Modern metaphysical traditions, as described in the sources, elevate turquoise to the status of a "Master Healer." It is believed to benefit the entire body, with a particular affinity for the immune and respiratory systems. Emotionally, it is said to stabilize mood swings, calm anxiety, and dissolve self-sabotage, promoting inner peace and emotional balance. This aligns with its historical reputation for bringing happiness and long life.

Communication and Truth: A significant aspect of turquoise’s symbolism is its connection to communication. It is associated with the Throat Chakra, the energy center governing speech and expression. Wearing turquoise, particularly as a necklace, is believed to aid in clear communication, helping the wearer to speak their truth with courage and wisdom. This makes it a stone for artists, speakers, and anyone seeking to improve their interpersonal connections.

Connection to the Elements: The stone’s color naturally evokes a connection to the sky and water, two elements essential to life. This is not a superficial association; many cultures, including the Pueblo, directly link the stone’s color to the sky. By wearing turquoise, one is thought to invite the cleansing power of water and the expansive energy of the sky into daily life, fostering a sense of spiritual grounding and connection to the natural world.

December and the Winter Solstice: The assignment of turquoise to December is seen as deeply spiritual. While its tropical hue may seem at odds with winter, it represents hope, warmth, and optimism during the darkest time of the year. As the nights grow longer, turquoise acts as a spiritual lantern, illuminating the path forward. It aligns with the introspective and adventurous nature of Sagittarius, the primary astrological sign for December, encouraging a journey toward one’s highest self.

Care and Cleaning

Given its relatively soft and porous nature, turquoise requires careful handling and maintenance to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. The sources provide clear guidance on this aspect, emphasizing the impact of treatments.

General Care: Turquoise should be protected from chemicals, heat, and prolonged exposure to sunlight, all of which can cause fading or damage. It is advisable to remove turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that could subject it to hard knocks or abrasions, such as gardening, sports, or heavy manual work.

Cleaning: The most critical rule for cleaning turquoise is to avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. These can damage the stone, especially if it has been treated or if the matrix is weak.

1. For Stabilized or Treated Turquoise: The safest method is to wipe the stone gently with a soft, damp cloth. If needed, a mild soap solution can be used, but the stone must be dried immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth. Do not soak the jewelry.
2. For Natural (Untreated) Turquoise: Extreme caution is required. Natural turquoise is highly porous and can absorb water, soaps, and oils, which may alter its appearance or lead to damage. Cleaning should be minimal, using only a dry, soft cloth to remove surface dust and oils. Avoid any liquid cleaners.

Storage: Store turquoise jewelry separately from other gemstones and metals to prevent scratching. A soft pouch or a lined jewelry box is ideal. To prevent dehydration, which can cause cracking and color loss, some collectors recommend storing turquoise with a small piece of damp (not wet) cotton in an airtight container, though this is not necessary for stabilized stones.

Professional Maintenance: For significant dirt or if the stone is part of a complex piece of jewelry, it is best to consult a professional jeweler who has experience with turquoise. They can assess the stone’s condition and perform a safe, professional cleaning.

Conclusion

Turquoise is far more than a simple blue-green gemstone; it is a historical artifact, a geological marvel, and a cultural icon. From its formation in the oxidized zones of copper deposits in places like Iran, China, and the American Southwest, to its adornment of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and Native American warriors, its journey is a testament to its enduring appeal. Its gemological properties, characterized by a hardness of 5-6 on the Mohs scale and a unique chemical composition of hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, make it a stone that demands respect and careful handling. The symbolic power of turquoise—as a protector, a healer, and a conduit for clear communication—remains potent, bridging millennia of human belief. As the birthstone for December, it offers a vibrant symbol of hope and warmth during the winter solstice, ensuring its place as a treasured gem for generations to come.

Sources

1. The December birthstone, turquoise, is a captivating gemstone known for its vivid blue to green hues and its long-standing cultural and symbolic importance.
2. As the year draws to a close and winter settles in, the vibrant blue-green energy of the turquoise birthstone emerges to offer warmth, protection, and wisdom.
3. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth.
4. If you were born in December, you have the choice of at least two different birth stones. Turquois is on of the choices and zircon is the other.