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Turquoise, with its captivating sky blue to green hues, is one of the world’s most ancient and beloved gemstones.
This semi-precious mineral has been esteemed for thousands of years as a sacred stone, a bringer of good fortune, and a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
Key Takeaways
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Emotional Balance: This decorative stone promotes emotional balance, enhancing communication and self-expression while providing a sense of calm and tranquility.
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Spiritual Growth: This beautiful blue stone facilitates spiritual insight, intuition, and connection with higher realms, promoting spiritual growth.
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Healing Properties: Known as a strengthening stone, Turquoise properties aids in physical healing, including immune system support and detoxification.
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Protection: Raw turquoise dispels negative energy and attracts positive energy, serving as a protective and purifying stone.
The popularity of Turquoise gems, with their alluring and distinctive hues, has made them a staple in various jewelry, from necklaces and earrings to intricate brooches. The Turquoise’s ability to complement warm and cool colors adds to its versatility and charm.
Let’s delve deeper into the history, healing properties, and other interesting aspects.
Turquoise History
With its deep-rooted history, Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to mankind. The stone's use dates back to ancient civilizations.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered Turquoise beads in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to around 4000 B.C. The ancient Egyptians highly valued this gemstone, using it extensively in jewelry and even in the ceremonial dress of their pharaohs.
The Turquoise meaning was also important in the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor at Serabit el-Khadim on the Sinai Peninsula. Hathor, often referred to as the 'Lady of Turquoise,' was the Egyptian goddess of love and joy, and Turquoise was believed to bring her protection and favor.
Native Americans have cherished Turquoise for centuries, particularly in the Southwestern United States.
This gem material held spiritual and ceremonial significance for them and was often used in Native American jewelry and rituals. The indigenous people of New Mexico and Arizona believed that Turquoise came from the heavens, reflecting the sky's vibrant blue.
Turquoise mining has a long history in these regions, with Native Americans initially mining the stone. Later, during the 1890s, the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona, became a significant source of Turquoise, recognized worldwide for producing gems of a uniform robin's egg blue color.
Persian Blue Turquoise, mined in present-day Iran, has been treasured in the Middle East for centuries for its intense blue color. It was often used in the domes of palaces and mosques due to its stunning visual effect against the sunlit sky.
The word turquoise, is originally a french word, "pierre turquoise" which translated means "turkish stone".
Physical Characteristics
The Turquoise stone, ranging from sky blue and blue-green to apple green, is a hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate formed by the weathering and oxidation of pre-existing mineral deposits.
Its vibrant color is due to the presence of copper, while the greenish tones come from iron impurities.
Benefits and Healing Properties of Turquoise
The Turquoise healing properties, often called the "Master Healer," possesses powerful healing energy that benefit the mind, body, and spirit. As a protective and purifying stone while promoting positivity and tranquility. It's a gem that invites well-being and harmony into one's life, with benefits spanning mental clarity, physical healing, and spiritual growth.
Mental Healing Properties
Turquoise's ability to balance and induce a sense of serenity and peace is one of its key mental healing properties. It is believed to provide solace for the spirit and well-being of the body, creating a sense of peace and calm.
The intense blue color of Turquoise is reminiscent of serene waters and clear skies, inspiring feelings of protective energy, where the precious stone is said to help stabilizing mood swings, panic attacks and elevating one's state of mind.
Healing crystals like turquoise are also known for its empowering properties. It encourages self-realization and assists creative problem-solving, stimulating romantic love and encouraging spontaneity.
By instilling inner calm while remaining alert, Turquoise can help enhance creativity and enhance communication skills.
Pairing turquoise with moonstone, it is believed to help balance masculine and feminine energies.
Physical Healing Properties
Turquoise has been associated with healing properties for the physical body throughout history. It is said to aid in the absorption of nutrients while enhancing the immune system and stimulating tissue regeneration.
Many believe it can help alleviate pollution and viral infections, heal inflammatory diseases, and detoxify the body from alcohol, poison, pollution, or radiation.
The gem also possesses anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, aiding pain relief, boosting the immune system, and promoting detoxification. Additionally, Turquoise is known to have beneficial effects on the eyes, including cataracts, and is believed to alleviate problems associated with the throat and lungs.
Turquoise Metaphysical Properties
Turquoise meaning is renowned for its spiritual and metaphysical healing properties. Known as a stone of protection, warriors and kings used it for its perceived ability to provide strength, protection from harm, and attract positive energy.
Turquoise is often used in crystal healing as a stone of purification, capable of dispelling negative energy and protecting against outside influences or atmospheric pollutants.
This stone’s spiritual energy can also help balance the chakras and align the body’s energy centers. Many believe that Turquoise facilitates the opening of all chakras, particularly the Throat chakra and the Third Eye chakra, promoting the free flow of energy throughout the body.
Furthermore, Turquoise is known for its ability to enhance intuition and meditation. Elevating the spiritual ‘heart’ can aid in spiritual expansion, enhance communication between the physical and spiritual worlds, and promote psychic abilities.
The metaphysical properties of Turquoise also include fostering empathy, sensitivity, and positive thinking.
Turquoise Types
Turquoise is a phosphate mineral that ranges from pale greenish-blue to deep robin’s egg blue, depending on the amounts of copper and iron within its structure.
The Turquoise group is diverse, with each type exhibiting unique characteristics in color, matrix patterns, and origin. Here are some of the most well-known types of Turquoise: Tibetan turquoise is known for its unique sky blue color and its association with opening up the throat chakra and expanding one's consciousness.
Persian Blue Turquoise
Sourced from Iran, Persian Blue Turquoise is renowned for its intense blue color due to the region's rich copper deposits. This type of Turquoise typically lacks a matrix, presenting a uniform color that's highly sought after.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Named after the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, this Turquoise is known for its solid mass and sky-blue color. It often lacks a matrix, making it a popular choice for jewelry and Turquoise beads.
Bisbee Turquoise
Originating from the Bisbee mine in Arizona, this Turquoise is famous for its high quality and unique color. Bisbee Turquoise displays a deep blue color with a distinctive smoky matrix, making it highly desirable.
Chinese Turquoise
China is a significant source of Turquoise, producing gems that vary in color from blue to green, often with a black or brown matrix. Chinese Turquoise can be either natural or treated, with the natural stones highly prized.
Kingman Turquoise
This type is known for its wide range of blue and green hues and distinctive black matrix. It comes from the Kingman mine in Arizona, one of the oldest and largest Turquoise mines.
Morenci Turquoise
Recognized for its high copper content that results in intense blue color, Morenci Turquoise often contains iron pyrite inclusions, giving it a silver-colored matrix that’s unique and highly sought after.
Egyptian Turquoise
One of the oldest sources of Turquoise, Egyptian Turquoise, has been mined since the Ancient Egyptian era. It varies in color from sky blue to greenish-blue, often with dark veins of matrix running through it.
Turquoise Colors and Patterns
Turquoise meaning is beloved for its distinctive color palette, which ranges from greenish-blue to sky blue, with variations that include pale green, apple green, and yellowish green.
The blue color in Turquoise is primarily due to the presence of copper, while iron and chromium often contribute to the greenish-blue and pale green tones.
The intensity of Turquoise's color can vary, with colors ranging from a pale, almost pastel shade to a deep, intense hue that's highly prized.
In addition to its color, Turquoise is also recognized for its unique matrix patterns. The matrix is the host rock in which Turquoise forms and it often appears as web-like patterns or spots that contrast with the main color of the gemstone.
Matrix colors can range from white to black, with black matrix patterns often highly sought after for their dramatic contrast.
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Robin's Egg Blue
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Greenish Blue
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Pale Green to Yellowish Green
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Persian Blue
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Matrix Patterns
Turquoise Birthstone
Turquoise is recognized as the birthstone for December. It shares this honor with two other gemstones - Tanzanite and Zircon. Being a birthstone means that Turquoise is often used in jewelry given as gifts for those born this month, meaning Capricorns and Sagittarius.
Its sky-blue color and unique matrix patterns make Turquoise a beloved choice for birthstone jewelry. Moreover, the Turquoise's ability to be cut and shaped into various forms, from Turquoise beads to Turquoise cabochons, makes it a versatile gem for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and anklets.
Besides its aesthetic appeal, the Turquoise birthstone is believed to bring good fortune and protection to the wearer. The ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans, among others, wore Turquoise as an amulet to ward off evil and bring good luck.
Turquoise is a delightful gem to look at and wear and carries centuries of history and cultural significance. Its status as a birthstone for December further enhances its timeless appeal. As a birthstone, Turquoise makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift that its recipient will surely treasure.
Turquoise Chakra Healing
In spiritual healing, the turquoise crystal is deeply connected as a chakra crystal, particularly the Throat chakra, the energy center of communication, expression, and creativity.
The intense blue color of Turquoise aligns perfectly with this chakra, helping to enhance the clarity of thought, self-expression, and public speaking skills.
The Throat chakra, when blocked or unbalanced, can lead to difficulties in communication and self-expression. It can also lead to feelings of insecurity, timidity, or over-talkativeness.
Wearing Turquoise, particularly Turquoise jewelry such as a necklace or pendant that sits close to the throat, can assist in opening and balancing this chakra, fostering honest and clear communication from the heart.
Additionally, Turquoise’s ability to promote a sense of serenity and peace can help align other chakras. Its calming energy is particularly useful in balancing the Heart chakra, thereby promoting love, empathy, and forgiveness.
Turquoise is also linked to the Third Eye chakra, the center of intuition, foresight, and spiritual enlightenment. By stimulating this chakra, Turquoise can enhance intuition and encourage the awakening of one’s spiritual self.
By bringing balance to these vital energy centers, Turquoise aids in enhancing overall spiritual health and encouraging a sense of holistic well-being. Therefore, incorporating Turquoise in your chakra meditation practice can be a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual advancement.
Turquoise and Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, the Turquoise stone is often used as a powerful energy enhancer and protective talisman. Its bright blue-green color represents the Water element, representing flow, abundance, and life.
Placing Turquoise in the northern part of your home, associated with the career and life path area in Feng Shui, can invite opportunities and bring a sense of direction and purpose.
Turquoise objects, such as sculptures or Turquoise beads, can be particularly effective in this area.
Also, the vibrant sky blue color resonates with the Eastern area of your home or office, which is linked to health and family in Feng Shui. Here, the Turquoise stone can support harmonious relationships and the overall wellbeing of the family members.
The intense blue color and green tint of Turquoise also echo the wood element, encouraging growth, vitality, and prosperity.
Thus, Turquoise can be beneficial in the Southeast area of your home, related to wealth and abundance.
Furthermore, Turquoise is popular for creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere in living spaces due to its connection with protective and healing energies.
A Turquoise stone in your workspace or living room can help cleanse negative energies, promote tranquility, and inspire creativity.
Using Turquoise in Feng Shui can create a balanced, harmonious, and prosperous environment, reflecting this ancient gemstone's rich and beneficial properties.
Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise has long been a favorite stone for jewelry due to its vibrant sky blue to green colors and the unique matrix patterns it often exhibits.
The creation of Turquoise jewelry has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with the stone being used in some of the most iconic pieces of ancient civilizations.
Turquoise beads, cabochons, and other stone-cut forms are commonly used in various jewelry designs. The gem is versatile enough to be featured in a wide range of jewelry, from earrings and necklaces to bracelets, belt buckles, and even elaborate headdresses.
High-quality Turquoise from mines like the Sleeping Beauty mine is particularly sought after for jewelry due to its intense blue color and lack of black matrix. Natural Turquoise of this quality is rare and considered extremely valuable.
On the other hand, Turquoise stones with distinctive matrix patterns are equally appreciated for their unique appearance and the added character they lend to jewelry pieces.
Turquoise is often set in silver in the traditional Native American style, but it can also be paired with gold and other precious metals for a more contemporary look.
Whether set in intricate designs or used as a standalone centerpiece, Turquoise adds a pop of color and a touch of earthy elegance to any jewelry piece.
How to Use Turquoise in Daily Life
Turquoise is a beautiful gemstone to wear as jewelry and offers numerous benefits that can be incorporated into daily life.
Here are some ways to make the most of Turquoise's properties and energies:
Wear Turquoise Jewelry
Wearing a turquoise necklace, as well as other turquoise jewelry like bracelets, rings, or earrings, is one of the easiest ways to enjoy its healing and protective properties. It can help balance emotions, promote self-expression, and attract positive energies.
Choose pieces that resonate with your personal style and energy.
Meditation
Holding a Turquoise stone or wearing Turquoise jewelry during chakra meditation can help enhance your spiritual connection and intuition. Turquoise's calming energies can also help to quiet the mind and promote deeper relaxation.
Carry Turquoise As a Talisman
Keep a small piece of Turquoise in your pocket or purse to benefit from its protective qualities throughout the day. It can remind you to stay grounded, centered, and focused on your goals.
Home Decor
Incorporating Turquoise into your home decor can create a calming and harmonious atmosphere. Add Turquoise gemstones, sculptures, or decorative objects to your living spaces to bring soothing energy into your environment.
Turquoise-Infused Water
Some people like to create gem elixirs or charged water with Turquoise to harness its healing properties.
To make Turquoise-infused water, place a clean, natural Turquoise stone in a glass of water and leave it to charge under sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. Use this water for drinking, bathing, or cleansing your space. This method is only suitable for untreated Turquoise; avoid using treated or reconstituted Turquoise.
Energy Healing
In energy healing practices, such as Reiki or crystal therapy, Turquoise can be placed on or near the Throat chakra to stimulate self-expression and communication or on the Third Eye chakra to enhance intuition and spiritual insight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turquoise
What is Turquoise Stone Good for?
Turquoise crystals are known for their numerous benefits. They promote emotional balance, enhance communication, and foster self-expression.
Turquoise is also associated with protection, healing, and attracting positive energies into one’s life.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of Turquoise?
Spiritually, the turquoise crystal meaning is often associated with purification, grounding, and balancing energies. It is considered a stone of wisdom, strength, and spiritual expansion.
Turquoise is believed to connect with the higher realms and facilitate spiritual insight and intuition.
is Turquoise a Rare Stone?
Natural, high-quality Turquoise is considered rare and valuable. While Turquoise can be found in various parts of the world, the finest specimens are relatively scarce.
The demand for genuine Turquoise and limited availability contribute to its rarity.
Why is Turquoise So Expensive?
The price of Turquoise can vary widely based on factors such as quality, origin, color, and matrix patterns. Fine, untreated Turquoise with vibrant color, minimal matrix, and desirable origin commands a higher price.
Additionally, rarity and the increasing demand for natural Turquoise contribute to its value.
Who Should Wear Turquoise Stone?
Turquoise is believed to benefit anyone seeking emotional balance, enhanced communication, or protection from negative energies.
It is a stone that people of all ages and backgrounds can wear, as it is considered to have universal appeal and positive effects.
Can You Wear Turquoise Every Day?
Turquoise is relatively durable, but it is still important to handle it with care to prevent damage or scratches. With proper care, you can wear Turquoise jewelry every day.
However, it is advisable to remove your Turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that may subject it to excessive force or chemicals.
Is Turquoise a Cheap Stone?
Turquoise prices vary depending on quality, size, origin, and craftsmanship. While affordable options are available, high-quality natural Turquoise with desirable characteristics can be more expensive.
Treated or reconstituted Turquoise is often more affordable than natural, untreated Turquoise.
Which Country Has the Best Turquoise?
Turquoise gemstone is found in several countries, each with its unique characteristics. Some renowned sources include Iran (Persian Turquoise), the United States (Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, Kingman Turquoise), and China.
Evaluating the “best” Turquoise can depend on personal preferences, as each source offers distinct color variations and matrix patterns.
is Turquoise More Expensive Than Gold?
The price of Turquoise is generally lower than that of gold. While high-quality Turquoise can be valuable, gold's intrinsic value and rarity make it more expensive per unit of weight.
The cost of Turquoise jewelry is determined by factors such as the quality of the stone, the design, and the metal used in the setting.
Is Turquoise connected to Tarot cards?
Yes, Turquoise is connected to Tarot cards due to its healing and spiritual properties.
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The Hierophant: Turquoise, with its spiritual insight and wisdom, resonates with The Hierophant, symbolizing knowledge and guidance.
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The Star: This stone's ability to bring calm and tranquility aligns with The Star card, representing hope, peace, and inspiration.
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The Empress: Turquoise enhances creativity and self-expression, making it a good match for The Empress, which signifies fertility, creativity, and nurturing.
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The Magician: With its balancing and protective properties, Turquoise complements The Magician card, symbolizing manifestation, power, and transformation
References
Gemstone Healing: How to choose and use the right crystal and healing technique
Health benefits of pendant from the viewpoint of Persian medicine
Crystal Power: 12 Essential Crystals for Health & Healing
Healing with quartz crystals: An exploratory study of nine crystal healers' beliefs and practices
Crystal Basics: The Energetic, Healing, and Spiritual Power of 200 Gemstones
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related changes or if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Anahana is not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may occur from using the information provided.