History of turquoise
Turquoise is a popular ornamental stone with a blue or greenish color. It was delivered to Europe from Iran along the Silk Road, which ran through Turkey, which is probably why Europeans often called the mineral turquoise, which means “Turkish stone” in French. In Persia, where turquoise was mined, it was called “firuze” – a happy stone. Turquoise was known in ancient Egypt already in the II millennium BC, and the Indians of North America took it for the highest value.
Physico-chemical properties of turquoise
Turquoise has a complex chemical formula, it is a hydrated aluminum phosphate, CuAl6(OH)24H2Oh
The mineral is opaque, with a slight waxy sheen. The color is uneven, with streaks and inclusions, the color of turquoise is directly dependent on its age. Light, almost white color means that the stone is very young, sky-blue color is the most valuable type of “ripened” turquoise, greenish color is typical for a stone in “advanced” age. The thing is that copper is responsible for the blue color, which over time in the mineral is replaced by iron oxide, giving it a greenish tint.
Turquoise deposits
The formation of turquoise is associated with hydrothermal processes in the earth’s crust. The most ancient deposits are located on the Sinai Peninsula, in Egypt, Iran, and on the territory of Central Asia. Some of them are already depleted, while others are still active. At present, the bulk of natural turquoise is mined as a by-product at copper mines in the USA, Chile, Mexico, and Australia. But until now, the highest quality and valuable minerals are supplied to the market from Iran, where turquoise is mined by hand.
artificial turquoise
Since natural resources are rapidly depleted, today about 80% of the jewelry market is represented by synthetic turquoise. There are many counterfeiting methods, from pressing powders of other minerals, followed by dyeing, to imitations made of plastic and bone. It is unlikely that the seller will allow a complete examination of the stone using chemicals, so in order to distinguish real turquoise from a fake, you must first of all pay attention to the too large size of the stones, its very saturated and perfectly uniform color.
The magical and healing properties of turquoise
Turquoise is considered a happy and kind stone. It carries a strong protective power, mothers often made turquoise charms for their children to ward off evil spirits, sickness and bad dreams.
The stone carries female energy, brings warmth and comfort to the house, endows with worldly wisdom and intuition, helps to preserve and increase the family budget. To attract money, turquoise was certainly sent to gold. If a person is looking for love, he should wear turquoise in silver.
In addition to the magical properties of turquoise, especially blue, it can become a talented healer. It has a beneficial effect on the psychological and nervous health of a person. Turquoise relieves insomnia, promotes relaxation, relieves headaches. Wearing turquoise jewelry around the neck helps in the treatment of thyroid diseases.
Traditional healers advise prolonged examination of this mineral to relax the optic nerves and improve vision.
Who will benefit from the stone?
Turquoise activates female sexuality, it will help single women to attract admirers and find love. She endows men with charisma, and is suitable for those who are seriously pursuing a career or fighting for power.
However, whatever your goals, it is worth considering that turquoise helps only highly moral and ethical individuals, it does not tolerate deceit and meanness. In the worst case, the stone can even turn against the owner if his thoughts are unclean.
What signs of the zodiac suits turquoise
Astrologers attribute turquoise to the elements of Water and Earth, therefore, first of all, turquoise is suitable for the sign of the Zodiac Sagittarius, Scorpio and Taurus.