Turquoise is a mineral that has been used as a gem in many objects. The history of turquoise and how it came into use is fascinating. The colour turquoise comes from a stone that possesses a greenish-blue shade. It not only looks spectacular but also has a story behind it.
History of Turquoise
Turquoise was originally found in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt through mining. The Egyptians at the time knew the Sinai region as “Mafkat,” which means “country of turquoise.” Archaeological excavations have shown that the Egyptian rulers loved turquoise jewellery and used it frequently.
The turquoise discovered in Egypt was then sent to the west via Turkey. It was during this transition that the name ‘turquoise’ came to be. The spelling that looks French is influenced by the term “Pierre turquoise,” which means “Turkish stone.”
Turquoise has been a vital part of the lives of the Native American tribes. Settled in the American Southwest, the Native Americans used turquoise as a medium of exchange and a ceremonial gem in their culture. They call this the turquoise “skystone.”
Later on, turquoise deposits were found in regions of the world that are currently Egypt, China, the United States, Iran, Mexico and Chile. Besides this, the Persian, Tibetan, Mesoamerican, Chinese, Incan and Southwestern Native American cultures use turquoise in their art, jewellery and trade.
The history of turquoise has seen varied uses of this stone across cultures of the world. The stone holds significance in its creation, crafting and cultural legacy. Native Americans keep this stone a part of their lives to date and use it in beaded jewellery, heishi and turquoise beads.
Turquoise is an exquisite stone that is used in many ways. All turquoise stones are not the same. They fall into different types based on where they are mined, and each has its own appeal. Here are the types of turquoise :
1. Lander Blue Spider Turquoise
This turquoise, discovered in 1973, is mined in Northern Nevada, located near Lander Blue Mine. Its colour ranges from green to yellow-green. What sets it apart is a spider web matrix that is on the surface. The black web-like patterns on the rich green colour give a magnificent look. It is considered to be the most expensive turquoise in the world.
2. Morenci Turquoise
This turquoise is mined in Southeast Arizona, which is near New Mexico’s state line. It is named after the Morenci copper mine. Its colour range from blue to green is influenced by the pyrite matrix it is formed from. The heavy iron pyrite matrix and rich blue tint occasionally have spider web patterns. It is one of the earliest American turquoise available in the market.
3. Campitos Turquoise
This turquoise is named after the place it is mined in, Campitos mine, located in Sonora, Mexico. Raw materials from the Cananga mine and Pino Chieko mine are used for producing the Campitos turquoise. Instead of forming as veins like most turquoise stones, it forms in clay as a free-from nugget. It has pyrite marks most of the time that give it a shimmering look. Its colour varies from light blue to a moderately darker shade of blue. It holds similarity to the Sleeping Beauty turquoise.
Also Read: Which Metal Is Best for Turquoise?
4. Kingman Turquoise
It is found in Mineral Park and holds the highest value among the three kinds of turquoise in this location. This turquoise was discovered 1000 years ago in Mohave County, located in the northwestern part of Arizona. Its blue colour is deep, with deposits of quartz and iron pyrite. It also has copper that gives it a soft colour. It is also called Ithaca Peak because of its high price.
5. Golden Hill Turquoise
It is found in Kazakhstan’s Altyn Tube mine. With a particularly rare colour, it is seen as the most chemically pure type of turquoise in the world. It has a tinge of light blue with a reddish burnt umber-coloured matrix. Its colour and texture are one of the most long-lasting and vibrant among the various turquoises available. This turquoise, with its look and quality, is understandably priced high.
6. Dry Creek Turquoise
This turquoise is mined in the Dry Creek mine in Lander County, Nevada. It has a light blue and a milky white colour with a brown matrix. Brown matrix, as a part of the turquoise, is the highest quality turquoise of Dry Creek mine.
Also Read: Is Turquoise a Durable Gemstone?
7. Carico Lake Turquoise
It is named after the Carico Lake Turquoise Mine in Lander County, Nevada. It has gorgeous shades ranging from blue to lime green. High levels of zinc and faustite give this mineral its lime-green colour. Even though blue turquoise is very popular, the lime green kind has risen in value for its unique look and rarity. However, the mining is done for a short period, and thus, the Carico Lake Turquoise supply is very limited.
Turquoise stones are used across jewellery pieces like in a turquoise engagement ring, bracelets, pendants, etc. With a wide variety available in colour, shades and texture, it makes for a magnificent choice of stone.
Also Read: What Gives Turquoise Its Colour?
Facts About Turquoise
Turquoise is a fascinating mineral. It’s pretty and valuable and has a strong history behind its existence and popularity. There are many facts about turquoise you probably don’t know! Here are some interesting ones:
- In the U.S.A., turquoise is one of the birthstones for those born in December.
- This stone is considered the anniversary stone for the 11th year of one’s marriage.
- Turquoise is Tibet’s national gem. It has been seen as a gem that protects from evil and ensures good health and fortune.
- The Sleeping Beauty turquoise is named so because it is mined in a mountain range that looks like a woman sleeping with her arms crossed.
Also Read: How Is the Turquoise Formed?
- This stone is believed to be holy and useful in eliminating negative energy. In addition, the stone’s brightness symbolises happiness and is believed to improve a person’s self-confidence.
- To identify a turquoise, you can do a scratch test. Scratch a part of the stone, preferably the back part that isn’t easily visible, with your nail. A fake turquoise, like howlite, is softer than genuine turquoise and gets scratched easily. If on scratching, the surface gets scratched, it is howlite.
- This gemstone is the only one that has its colour named after it.
- Turquoise was used to make the mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt, which is one of the reasons Egyptians value this stone.
- This stone can change in colour. Exposure to heat, direct sunlight, sweat, skin oil or makeup can affect its natural colour. You can wash the stone with plain water and clean it with a soft cloth. As the stone is porous by nature, using any other solution for cleaning can damage it.
- American Indians considered turquoise to be a sacred stone. They used it as a strong tool for healing to create a link between earth and heaven.
- Almost all Native American tribes have used turquoise for medicinal or decorative purposes ever since the stone was discovered.
- Turquoise is generally opaque but may have thin transparent sections too.
- The best turquoise crystals, in the form of microcrystals, are found in Lynch Station in Campbell Co., Virginia.
- This stone looks similar to another stone, Variscite, which is usually greener.
- The finest quality turquoise has a maximum Mohs hardness of slightly less than 6 or a little more than window glass.
- The largest turquoise stone is in China’s Shandong Tianyu Museum of Natural History in Shandong Province.
Also Read: Does Turquoise Chip Easily?
Closing Thoughts
Since the discovery of turquoise, the stone has been used in a wide range of things. It has been and still is a splendid gem for jewellery and an indispensable part of Native American history. With something so beautiful, it makes total sense to incorporate it into your life. Don’t wait and shop for beautiful turquoise jewellery on the Angara website.
