TRIVIA
Birthstone of December
Turquoise is one of the birthstones for the month of December, along with blue topaz and tanzanite. It is believed to bring good fortune, success, and happiness to those born in this month.
Ancient Uses
Turquoise has been used for thousands of years by various civilizations for its beauty and perceived mystical properties. It has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, Aztec and Mayan temples, and Tibetan Buddhist artifacts.
Symbol of Friendship
In many cultures, turquoise is considered a symbol of friendship and goodwill. It is often exchanged as a gift between friends to strengthen bonds and promote harmony.
Turquoise Trade Routes
Historically, turquoise was traded along ancient trade routes such as the Silk Road, connecting the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. It was highly prized for its rarity and beauty, and its trade played a significant role in cultural exchange and commerce.
Changing Color
Turquoise can change color over time due to exposure to light, chemicals, and oils from the skin. This phenomenon, known as “turquoise matrix stabilization,” can cause the stone to darken or become greener with age.
Turquoise Mines
Some of the world’s most famous turquoise mines include the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, USA, the Kingman mine in Arizona, and the Nishapur mine in Iran. Each mine produces turquoise with distinct colors and characteristics.
Turquoise in Space
In 1972, astronauts on the Apollo 17 mission discovered turquoise-colored rocks on the moon’s surface. These rocks, known as “lunar anorthosite,” contain traces of turquoise-colored minerals such as feldspar.
Protective Talisman
Turquoise has long been considered a protective talisman against negative energies and evil spirits. It is often worn or carried for protection and good luck, especially during travel or times of uncertainty.
Turquoise in Art
Turquoise has been used in art and architecture for centuries, from ancient mosaics and frescoes to modern sculptures and jewelry designs. Its vibrant color and unique texture make it a popular choice for artists and craftsmen.
Turquoise Legends
Many cultures have legends and myths surrounding turquoise, attributing it with magical powers and divine origins. These stories often involve themes of protection, healing, and spiritual enlightenment.
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HISTORY, ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION, ITS PROPERTIES AND VIRTUES IN LITHOTHERAPY
Turquoise stone will accompany you daily to bring you joy, optimism, while stabilizing your moods and tempering excesses. Quickly discover the numerous virtues of this superb stone in lithotherapy…
HISTORY OF TURQUOISE STONE
Around 6000 BC, the Egyptians mined turquoise stone, incorporating it into fashion and decor. This precious stone, discovered in turquoise bracelets adorning mummies, has a rich history. Persians even valued it as currency, exchanging it for various goods. In East Asia, particularly Tibet and India, turquoise was treasured for its healing properties, used in exquisite jewelry like necklaces and pendants, as well as in artistic creations. To the Tibetans, turquoise symbolized courage, dedication, and kindness. Native Americans, including the Apaches and Navajos, revered turquoise for its connection to the sky and sea, believing it protected warriors and hunters. The Aztecs considered turquoise too potent for humans, reserving it for the divine.
During the Renaissance, Turquoise gained popularity in Europe, becoming a sought-after gem for jewelry making. Its rich history dates back over 6000 years, with Queen Zar from Egypt’s first dynasty adorning herself with turquoise stones. Tutankhamun’s mask and sarcophagus also showcased turquoise among other precious gems. Across the Americas, civilizations like the Aztecs and Apaches used turquoise for ceremonial purposes. The Apaches even linked turquoise with a goddess of change, enhancing their weapons with its power for precise hunting.
ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION OF TURQUOISE STONE
The term “turquoise” finds its roots in the French language, derived from its original association with Turkey, where the stone was first introduced to Europe through the Turks during the Crusades. Historically, Persians referred to it as “Feroza” or “Firuze,” signifying “victorious.” Possessing a distinctive blue hue, turquoise falls within the category of alumina phosphates. Typically semi-opaque, it comprises elements like copper, aluminum, iron, oxygen, hydrogen, and phosphorus. With a Mohs hardness scale rating between 5 and 6, turquoise displays a density ranging from 2.6 to 2.9. It is commonly found in desert landscapes, exhibiting an array of blue shades. When exposed to acid, turquoise undergoes a transformation, adopting a coppery appearance.
Noteworthy turquoise deposits are situated in various regions including Afghanistan, Australia, China, the United States, France, Iran, Israel, Mexico, and Tanzania. While many of the ancient turquoise mines have been depleted, Iran remains a significant source today. The color of turquoise can differ across locations, such as the deep blue hues in Iran contrasting with the more greenish tones found in Egypt.
VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF TURQUOISE STONE IN LITHOTHERAPY
In lithotherapy, turquoise stone is well known for its healing properties. Just as the Indians used it to soothe scorpion stings and snake bites, lithotherapists use it to treat and regulate many dysfunctions of the human body.
VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF TURQUOISE STONE ON THE MENTAL PLANE
In lithotherapy, turquoise stone plays a vital role in promoting emotional balance and empathy. It aids in calming anger and enhancing personal fulfillment. Positioned at the throat chakra, turquoise facilitates self-expression and communication, while at the third eye chakra, it fosters intuition and aids in meditation. This radiant stone also strengthens friendships, fosters love, and pacifies anger when placed on the heart chakra.
On a psychological level, turquoise instills renewed confidence, stabilizes moods, and cultivates inner peace. It prevents erratic mood swings, fatigue, and impulsive emotions,promoting deep and restful sleep. Placing turquoise under your pillow or on your bedside table can enhance these benefits, particularly in combating stress, fatigue, and low spirits, encouraging progress and new beginnings.
Renowned as a sacred stone in various cultures, turquoise is believed to shield its wearer from negativity, transforming it into positive energy. As a protective talisman, turquoise wards off negative vibrations, curses, and misfortune, attracting luck and positivity. For those dealing with stress and anxiety, turquoise aids in emotional management and fosters serenity. This wise stone embodies forgiveness, peace, reconciliation, and the release of tensions.
VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF TURQUOISE STONE ON THE PHYSICAL PLANE
In lithotherapy, turquoise stone boasts numerous benefits on the physical level. It excels in alleviating pain, balancing bodily fluids, and nurturing the nervous system. Positioned at the sacral chakra, turquoise facilitates the cleansing and balance of bodily fluids, including urine, blood, hormones, and semen. When placed on the heart chakra, it aids in regulating the nervous system and fortifying immunity. At the solar plexus, turquoise serves as a shield against toxins and excessive unhealthy fats. Transitioning to the throat chakra, it combats lung and throat dysfunctions effectively.
Turquoise stone is a potent supporter of the body’s meridians and energy fields, always striving to maintain equilibrium by reducing acidity, regulating diet, and aiding in detoxification. Lithotherapists commonly employ turquoise to ease stomach discomfort, joint pains, cramps, and various muscular pains, acting as a detoxifier and healing agent for tissue damage. Moreover, turquoise enhances eyesight and addresses specific vision issues. Its rejuvenating properties promote swift recovery post-exercise or injury, making it beneficial for those in recovery phases to expedite healing. Turquoise stone is also known to mitigate the severity and frequency of headaches, offering immediate relief when placed on the forehead during intense migraines. Beyond its therapeutic effects, turquoise bolsters the immune system and fosters a pervasive sense of well-being in the body.
VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF TURQUOISE STONE ON THE SPIRITUAL PLANE
On a spiritual level, turquoise stone aids in opening and balancing the throat chakra. This chakra’s activation fosters creativity, spontaneity, abundance, and effective communication. Naturally, the throat chakra plays a pivotal role in expressing emotions, feelings, and innermost desires. Conversely, an obstructed or unbalanced throat chakra can lead to poor listening skills, insincerity, excessive shyness, and fear of abandonment. If you struggle with communication, especially in public, consider using a stone like turquoise that focuses its energy on the throat chakra.
STONES AND MATERIALS THAT PERFECTLY MATCH TURQUOISE
Turquoise, a blue stone, complements cool tones like silver, white gold, and gray gold. Surprisingly, it also pairs well with yellow gold or rose gold, adding a solar and luxurious touch. This unique stone radiates beauty, evoking images of summer days by the turquoise sea under the bright sun.
When it comes to energy,turquoise doesn’t mix well with all minerals. It’s recommended to wear it alone due to its intense energy. Avoid pairing it with amethyst. However, you can wear them separately on different pieces. While turquoise shines solo, it can harmonize with similar blue stones like labradorite, aquamarine, lapis lazuli, or blue agate.
HOW TO MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE TURQUOISE STONE?
Like all minerals, turquoise stone discharges energetically over time. The more you wear it, the faster its energy decreases. To preserve its powers and its natural beauty, it is sufficient to adopt the right gestures to clean and recharge it. The recharging of turquoise can be done with water, earth, or incense. At least once a month, you can simply immerse your stone in a container of unsalted distilled water for a few hours. This purification ritual eliminates physical impurities and negative energies that have accumulated inside the stone. Avoid tap water which could prematurely damage your turquoise.
Once purified and cleaned, turquoise stone must be recharged. The recharging ritual is very simple; just leave your stone overnight under the moonlight. Moon rays are much gentler than sunlight rays which are too aggressive for turquoise. To optimize this recharging process, you can place your stone on a quartz cluster. White quartz, also called rock crystal, amplifies the powers of other minerals and facilitates energy restoration.
A small tip to recognize a turquoise stone at the end of its life: the stone becomes dull and cracks. It can even go so far as to break. Indeed, turquoise is a fragile stone that eventually fades when it has given you all its good vibrations.
SYMBOLISM OF TURQUOISE STONE
The turquoise stone symbolizes the elements of water, fire, and the sun.
TRADITIONS OF TURQUOISE STONE
Aztecs: The god of fire was named “Master of turquoise.”
Tibetan Buddhism: Spiritual and material wealth (if associated with red coral)
Muslims: Spiritual power
Turquoise wedding: 18 years of marriage