Turquoise is one of my favorite gemstones. The blues and greens are so vibrant. I design[tweet_dis_img]
[/tweet_dis_img] in both silver and copper.
Did you know?
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Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate mineral. It has a hardness of 5 to 6. This means it can tend to be brittle if not stabilized for strength. You may notice a black backing on some turquoise cabochons. This is an epoxy resin added to help stabilize the gem.
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The bright blue turquoise is caused by the presence of Copper, while the greenish turquoise is caused by the presents of iron. Both are so beautiful!
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This gem gets it’s name from the French words.. ‘pierre turquoise’ which translates to Turkish Stone. Many of the trade routes were through Turkey and local merchants took the opportunity to buy the gems and sell in local markets.
[tweet_box design=”box_03″ float=”none”]Ancient Persia and Hindu beliefs say that seeing a turquoise and the new moon at the same moment will lead to good fortune.[/tweet_box]
Native Americans have mined and used turquoise for over 1000 years. Pueblo, Navajo, Zuni and Apache Indians all believe that turquoise has healing and protection qualities. It is used extensively today in Native American jewelry designs. More recently many modern designers have discovered turquoise as a treasured gemstone. Tiffany and Cartier are two of the more well know luxury designers that now offer turquoise designs.
[tweet_box design=”box_05″ float=”none”]Turquoise is said to aid in creative expression and self acceptance… so get out your turquoise and wear it today![/tweet_box]
Turquoise is one of my favourites too, Alene. I didn’t realise it was the copper and iron that affected the different colourings. I love the pendant. The different colours make it look like a mini landscape.
Thanks Tami. Yes the copper and iron help create the gorgeous blues and blue-greens
Purple/amethyst is my favorite and while I love the color turquoise, it hasn’t been my favorite due to the antique look, to me.. just not my thing but have loved so many pieces on others.
Thanks Kristen. Turquoise is an acquired taste for sure. Happy you adore amethyst though.
Oh, I love, love turquoise! I wear a lot of it. Native Americans wore it for protection as well. Can’t you just feel the energy when you wear it?
Thanks Susan. Yes turquoise does exude energy..the good kind of course
Love your site and your jewelry. I love Turquoise and was given a beautiful necklace from a friend. Stones are very powerful and I find some days I can wear some stones and other days others. I see you treat your stones with love and respect. Everyone who wears your jewelry is blessed!
Thanks for those kind words Candess. I do treat my stones like treasured friends
Turquoise is such a versatile stone. I’ve seen it in Native American, southwestern, western, beachy, and bohemian jewelry. I love how sometimes the stone is blueish and other times it’s more greenish–and I didn’t know the colors were due to copper and iron! I should have known the name is French based on its spelling. 🙂 Fun facts!
Thanks Meghan. It is fun to learn the facts behind the gem isn’t it?
I didn’t know about the history of it. I love it and most especially the blue version of it. Going to check on your exquisite pieces now…
Thanks so much Apolline. Knowing a little more about the gem makes it more special I think
Turquoise never gets out of fashion. I love it. It matches well with sterling like the necklace you have featured here. I bet it is one of the most popular among your selection.
Thanks Lori. I agree completely. And yes it is a popular selection
Very interesting info about turquoise. Such a beautiful stone, and I love the pendant you have created with it!
Thanks Mindy. The possibilities are endless when it comes to designing with turquoise
Oh, I like these historical tidbits about the turquoise stones 🙂