Turquoise, with its distinctive blue-green hues, stands as one of the oldest and most culturally significant gemstones in human history. As the primary birthstone for December, it carries a legacy that spans millennia, from ancient Egyptian tombs to the jewelry boxes of modern royalty. Unlike many gemstones, turquoise is prized for its unique color range, its intricate matrix patterns, and the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that have accumulated around it. This article delves into the geological origins, historical journey, gemological characteristics, and enduring symbolism of turquoise, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone captivated by this ancient stone.
The significance of turquoise extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal. It is a stone of protection, health, and good fortune in many cultures, and its journey from the deserts of Iran to the mines of the American Southwest tells a story of trade, conquest, and artistic expression. While other stones like blue topaz, zircon, and tanzanite are also associated with December, turquoise remains the cornerstone of the month's birthstone tradition, valued for its historical depth and natural beauty. Understanding its properties and lore offers a window into the human relationship with the mineral world, where science and spirituality have long been intertwined.
History and Lore
The historical record of turquoise is exceptionally long, with evidence pointing to its use as a gemstone and ornamental material for over 8,000 years. Archaeological findings confirm that turquoise was one of the first gemstones ever mined. Ancient Egyptians were among its earliest and most devoted users. By 5500 BCE, turquoise was already being mined in the Sinai region, and its significance is vividly demonstrated in the funerary mask of King Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The Egyptians called the stone "mefkat," which translates to "joy" and "delight," reflecting its valued status in their society. Its presence in royal tombs underscores its perceived power and beauty, believed to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
The journey of turquoise from the Middle East to Europe is a story of rediscovery and cultural integration. The stone's name itself, derived from the French expression "pierre tourques" or "Turkish stone," indicates the route by which it likely entered European consciousness in the 13th century. However, its use in Europe was not continuous. Turquoise was largely lost to European culture from the 15th to the 20th century, only to re-emerge with renewed vigor. This revival was significantly influenced by Polish and Russian traditions, which incorporated turquoise into their birthstone calendars as the gem for the last month of the year. The modern, standardized recognition of turquoise as a December birthstone in the United States was formalized in 1912 by the American National Jewelers Association (now known as Jewelers of America), solidifying its place in contemporary gemstone lore.
Beyond its formal recognition, turquoise is steeped in a wealth of metaphysical beliefs and superstitions across diverse cultures. In Hindu tradition, mystics believed that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon would ensure fantastic wealth. European folklore held that a turquoise ring was a token of "forget me not," a symbol of enduring affection. Perhaps most famously, turquoise is considered a national treasure in Tibet, where it is believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. The stone was also thought to impart peace to the wearer.
Native American tribes have their own profound and intricate beliefs surrounding turquoise. The Apache believed the stone could be found by following a rainbow to its end and that attaching it to a bow or firearm would make one's aim more accurate. The Pueblo attributed the gem's color to the sky, while the Hopi had a creation myth that attributed the stone's formation to lizards scurrying over the earth. A widespread belief, documented from the 13th century, was that turquoise would protect the wearer from falling, leading to its use on horse bridles. An ominous superstition held that the gem would break into multiple pieces when disaster was imminent, acting as a protective amulet. These beliefs collectively paint a picture of turquoise not merely as a decorative object, but as a potent talisman woven into the fabric of daily life and spiritual practice.
Geological Formation and Sources
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that forms in arid regions where acidic, copper-rich waters seep through aluminum-bearing rocks and precipitate. This process occurs in specific geological environments, typically in the upper weathering zones of copper deposits. The resulting mineral, hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, is often found in nodules, veins, or as a crust filling fractures in its host rock. The presence of various trace elements, particularly copper and iron, is responsible for its color spectrum.
The geographical distribution of turquoise mines is as wide as its historical use. For over a millennium, the Nishapur district in Iran has been a premier source, producing the world's most prized turquoise. The stones from this region are renowned for their even-colored, intense blue hue, which has become the benchmark for quality. Trade professionals have adopted terms like "robin's egg blue," "sky blue," and "Persian blue" to describe this specific color, which is now used to describe turquoise of that quality regardless of its geographic origin.
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, most American production comes from Arizona and Nevada, with mines bearing evocative names like Dry Creek, Easter Blue, Emerald Valley, and Fox. The Kingman mine in Arizona is a historically important source known for producing intense blue turquoise. Arizona’s Sleeping Beauty mine was another prolific producer for more than four decades, though it is now closed to turquoise mining. Historically, the U.S. was a significant producer, but the global landscape has shifted.
Currently, China is the world’s largest producer of gem-quality turquoise. The majority of this production comes from Hubei Province in central China. This shift in production dominance highlights the global nature of the turquoise trade today, though the historical and cultural cachet of Iranian and American turquoise remains highly valued among connoisseurs.
Gemological Properties
Understanding the physical and chemical properties of turquoise is essential for its identification, valuation, and care. As a member of the phosphate mineral group, its chemical formula is typically expressed as CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O, though it can vary due to the substitution of elements like iron and zinc. This variability directly influences its most famous characteristic: color.
Color and Appearance: Turquoise exhibits a remarkable range of colors, from various shades of green to greenish-yellow, and the highly sought-after robin's egg blue and sky blue. The color is primarily derived from copper, which imparts the blue hues, while the presence of iron gives the stone a greenish tint, and zinc can introduce a yellowish hue. The gem is typically semi-translucent to opaque. A defining feature of many turquoise specimens is the "matrix"—veins or spiderwebs of the host rock (often brown or black) that remain within the stone, creating intricate, web-like patterns. This matrix is a remnant of the host rock in which the turquoise formed and is a key factor in identifying the stone's origin and character. The surface can range from waxy to the touch to glassy or dull in appearance.
Hardness and Durability: Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6. This places it in the relatively soft category of gemstones, making it susceptible to scratching and abrasion. Its toughness is generally fair, but it can be brittle due to its porous nature. This relative softness and porability are why turquoise is often treated to enhance its durability and appearance.
Treatments: Given its physical properties, turquoise is one of the most commonly treated gemstones. Common treatments include waxing, dyeing, and stabilization. Stabilization involves impregnating the stone with an epoxy or acrylic resin, which hardens the material, improves polish, and can enhance or uniform the color. These treatments are widely accepted in the industry but must be disclosed to consumers, as they affect both the stone's value and its care requirements.
To summarize the key gemological properties, the following table is provided based on the information from the sources:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Phosphate |
| Chemical Formula | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O (varies) |
| Color | Blue to green, often with brown or black matrix |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5 - 6 |
| Luster | Waxy to dull, sometimes vitreous |
| Transparency | Semi-translucent to opaque |
| Common Treatments | Waxing, dyeing, stabilization (epoxy/acrylic) |
| Key Sources | Iran (Nishapur), USA (Arizona, Nevada), China (Hubei) |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolic weight of turquoise is immense, transcending its role as a mere adornment. Across cultures and epochs, it has been revered as a stone of protection, health, and spiritual connection. In Tibet, it is considered a national treasure, believed to safeguard the wearer from harm and bring good fortune. This protective quality is a common thread; from the ancient belief that it could prevent falls to the Native American practice of attaching it to weapons for accuracy, turquoise has long been seen as a guardian stone.
Its association with health and well-being is equally prominent. The gem was thought to ensure good health and fortune, and in some traditions, it was believed to break when a wearer's health was failing, acting as an early warning system. The connection to positive energy, peace, and spirituality is also well-documented. Hindu mystics linked it to wealth and cosmic cycles, while European folklore tied it to remembrance and affection.
For those born in December, turquoise is more than a birthstone; it is a link to a deep historical and spiritual lineage. It is also the designated gem for the 11th wedding anniversary, symbolizing enduring protection and harmony in a relationship. The stone's association with the zodiac sign of Sagittarius further extends its symbolic reach. These layered meanings—from personal protection to cosmic wealth—explain why turquoise has maintained its cultural relevance for thousands of years, evolving from an ancient amulet to a modern symbol of heritage and personal identity.
Care and Cleaning
The care of turquoise is dictated directly by its gemological properties, particularly its moderate hardness and porosity. Proper maintenance is crucial to preserving the stone's color, luster, and structural integrity over time.
Due to its softness (Mohs 5-6), turquoise is prone to scratching. It should be stored separately from harder gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to prevent abrasion. It is also sensitive to chemicals, cosmetics, and even body oils, which can cause discoloration or damage to the surface, especially if the stone is untreated or has a wax coating. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, heat, or excessive dryness can cause the color to fade or the stone to become brittle.
Cleaning turquoise jewelry requires a gentle approach. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and harsh chemical solvents, as these can strip treatments, damage the stone, or cause cracking. The safest method is to wipe the gem with a soft, damp cloth. For a more thorough cleaning, use lukewarm water with a mild soap, gently scrub with a soft brush, and rinse immediately. Dry the stone completely with a soft, lint-free cloth. It is imperative to avoid soaking turquoise or allowing water to sit on its surface for extended periods, as this can affect stabilized stones or lead to damage in untreated specimens.
For turquoise that has been treated with wax or resin, periodic re-waxing by a professional jeweler may be necessary to maintain its luster and protective coating. Regular inspection of settings is also recommended, as the stone's relative softness can make it vulnerable in settings that experience impact. By following these care guidelines, the beauty and significance of a turquoise piece can be preserved for generations.
Conclusion
Turquoise remains a cornerstone of the December birthstone tradition, distinguished by its ancient heritage, unique visual characteristics, and profound cultural symbolism. From its early mining in ancient Egypt and Iran to its prominence in Native American culture and its formal adoption in modern birthstone lists, turquoise has consistently captivated humanity. Its gemological profile—defined by a color spectrum from blue to green, the presence of a distinctive matrix, and a moderate hardness—necessitates specific care but does not diminish its appeal. The stone's enduring associations with protection, health, and peace continue to resonate, making it a meaningful choice for jewelry that carries personal and historical significance. As a testament to its lasting legacy, turquoise endures not only as a beautiful gemstone but as a tangible link to the beliefs and artistry of countless civilizations.