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Turquoise
Turquoise has been loved and used for thousands of years by nearly every race on every continent around the world. It’s been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, which attests to it being a valued commodity even then. The Egyptians had to go deep into the Arabian Desert to find turquoise. The most sought after turquoise is from Persia (Iran) and is thought to be of the finest quality. In the Southwestern United States, no gemstone is more popular. Turquoise is believed to be the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the jewelry business.
Turquoise varies in color from greenish to sky blue. It has a hardness value of 5 to 6. It’s found in Arizona, New Mexico, Australia, Iran, Afghanistan, Chile and Tibet. Turquoise is only found near copper deposits and is a hydrous hydrate of copper. Turquoise must have two other elements in addition to copper to form and those are aluminum ions and phosphate radical.
Most often turquoise is used for carvings and many forms of jewelry from rings and earrings to elaborate necklaces and belt buckles.
While some small crystals have been found in Virginia and other places around the world, most specimens are cryptocrystalline meaning that the crystals would have to be viewed through a microscope. Turquoise is often imitated, sometimes through the use of the mineral chrysocolla. The low quality specimens of turquoise are sometimes enhanced through dying. Natural turquoise is porous, and over time, oils left behind from touching it, give it a beautiful patina.
Years ago rock hounds occasionally found specimens of turquoise but most easily accessible deposits have now been exhausted. Most places, which produced the stone, have now been taken over by large mining operations. Native Americans used to look for examples from Cripple Creek in Colorado or Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. Other samples were obtained from various places in Arizona.
Turquoise is the birthstone for December, the astrological birthstone for the signs of Taurus and Sagittarius and the anniversary gemstone for the 5th year of marriage.
It’s said that turquoise can warn the wearer of danger or illness and protect them from falls. Indians believed if they used it on their bows, their arrows would fly straight. It’s said to relax the mind, calm the emotions and ease stress. It’s supposed to spur people to try new projects. Some believe turquoise will bring happiness and good fortune. A ring made with turquoise is thought to protest against all evil things. Turquoise strengthens the mind and brings about a feeling of serenity. It’s thought to inspire leadership. Turquoise is called the Stone of Life and
Good Fortune.
In healing, some think is prevents injuries due to accidents and prevents blindness. It’s believed useful in curing stomach disorders and internal bleeding. It’s thought useful for any type of mental illness.
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C.W. Fashion Jewelry
Palestine, Texas
USA
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