The Lore of Turquoise
Many believe that the Breastplate of Aaron is the basis for the origin of birthstones (also known as natal stones). The instructions for fabricating the Breastplate are in Exodus 28, 15-30: and call for the twelve stones of the Twelve Tribes of Israel to be set in four rows. These gemstones corresponded to the zodiac signs of the time. Our present calendar month system was not known at the time of exodus and today birthstones have come to be more commonly associated with the calendar month of birth although many people prefer using stones from astrological charts to represent their birth or natal stone.
For at least 10,000 years, man has used colored stones as talismans and amulets. He used them to predict the future, to protect him from harm and as healing aids. Religious traditions from early times included gemstones as important elements in their ceremonies and practices. Many people believe that the planets influence different stones and that planetary birthstones transmit powers associated with those planets.
The color of Turquoise symbolizes youth and is associated with speech and communication, confidence, strength, and idealism. It is also associated with emotional healing and protection and has a soothing affect.
Turquoise attracts money, success and love. Its powers include protection, healing, courage, friendship, and luck. Relaxes the mind, and eases mental tension.
Turquoise is sacred to many Native American's and was carved in the shape of animals and birds. These carvings were placed in the Indians tombs to attract beneficial spirits and to guard the dead. Turquoise was also used by medicine men for healing and by warriors who fixed turquoise to the end of their bows to insure accurate shots.
Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is one of the most valuable non-transparent minerals used in the jewelry trade. It has been mined by early Egyptians since at least 6000 BC. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals can only be seen by a microscope. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Poorer quality turquoise is often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. The name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey.
Turquoise is the one of the official birth stones for the month of December as adopted by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912 and the Planetary stone for Aquarius, Taurus and Sagittarius (Nov.23-Dec.21).
The name turquoise is apparently related to the fact that is was brought to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean by Levantine traders, more commonly known as Turks. Its been used as a valuable ornament for ages and was used by the Egyptians thousands of years ago. The color is, of course, turquoise, but its range of color varies from green and greenish blue to sky blue shades.
For centuries, the most valuable turquoise came from Iran (Persia) but today some specimens mined in the southwestern United States compete with it. The name "Persian Turquoise" is now generally used to refer to any turquoise stone that does not have the black or brown veining commonly found in turquoise mined in the United States and used in a style of jewelry created by the American Indians.
A sacred stone for the North American Indians as well as the Tibetans, it is often used by shamans in rituals and ceremonies. It is said to promote mental and spiritual clarity and expansion and to enhance wisdom, trust , kindness and understanding.
The Aztecs mined turquoise in an area now known as New Mexico and a significant amount of turquoise comes from Arizona, California and Nevada in the United States.
Other minerals like chrysocolla have been used to imitate turquoise. Turquoise is often dyed and stabilized with resins to produce a harder stone which retains its color and polish. Reconstituted turquoise is made from small chips and "chalk" to which dyes and plastic resin is added. Pure turquoise is a relatively soft stone ranging between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
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