Turquoise

Properties of turquoise

A very famous and widely known stone, turquoise is a mineral composed of hydrated phosphate, copper, and aluminum. The stone's crystal system is triclinic, and it can be massive, compact, or cryptocrystalline. Its density ranges from 2.6 to 2.9, and its hardness is 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale.

Turquoise is a semi-opaque stone with a greasy luster. Its color ranges from deep blue (very popular) to blue-green, sometimes with brown or black veins. The stone's color is sensitive to heat and humidity, which can drastically alter it. It's even possible for the blue of turquoise to dull and lose its brilliance; connoisseurs refer to these as extinct or dead stones.

The most notable turquoise deposits are found primarily in the desert regions of Iran. Iran produces the most beautiful and coveted stones from the mines of Nishapur. The United States, Egypt, Mexico, China, India, and Tibet are also among the countries with the largest turquoise mines.

History of turquoise

Turquoise has a rich history. It is believed that the name of the stone dates back to the Middle Ages, the time of the Crusades, when Europeans discovered it. Present since antiquity among the oldest civilizations, the oldest mines are believed to date back to more than 6000 BC, during the time of the ancient pharaohs of Egypt. The stone, which was considered sacred, was often used to decorate jewelry and ornaments that archaeologists found on mummies.
In ancient Persia, turquoise was a valuable stone often used as currency and traded for various goods. On the other side of the world, more precisely in the Americas, Native Americans of all nations revered turquoise. The Navajo saw it as a piece of heaven fallen to earth, while the Aztecs saw it as adornments of gods whose power humans could not bear. Furthermore, the funerary treasure of the Aztec ruler Moctezuma included numerous mosaics of exceptional beauty crafted from this stone, as well as magnificent objects such as a serpent carved from a single block of turquoise.

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Today, turquoise is widely used in the jewelry industry, cut into cabochons, beads, and other fancy shapes, and is used as a very popular ornament for a wide variety of jewelry.

Benefits of Amazonite

Lithotherapy attributes significant physical and psychological benefits to turquoise. On a physical level, the stone has calming properties that relieve pain, regulate and purify bodily fluids (blood, urine, hormones, etc.), and relax the nerves. It is also considered a good way to treat the flu and lung and respiratory conditions. Turquoise is also recommended for eye problems; it is believed to strengthen vision and reduce the effects of cataracts.

On a psychological level, turquoise is considered a stone that promotes harmony of mind and body. It is believed to absorb disturbances and negative energies that can disrupt the body and mind. The stone is said to foster empathy towards others. It is the stone of gentleness, softness, and friendship. Calming anger and emotional excesses is also believed to enhance the senses of listening and communication. Lithotherapists recognize the benefits of turquoise in reducing sudden mood swings, fatigue, and both physical and emotional exhaustion.

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On a karmic level, turquoise is a good catalyst for the third eye chakra, thus being beneficial for meditation and conducive to the development of intuition. Its inhibitory action removes psychological and energetic blockages, allowing for better energy flow in the body. The throat and heart chakras also benefit from turquoise's properties, which help overcome obstacles to effective communication and foster empathy towards others.

To purify turquoise, it's especially important to avoid using water or any other cleaning product that could alter its delicate color. Instead, salt is recommended. To recharge the stone, moonlight is the most effective and least risky method. Eventually, turquoise loses its true color and "dies," meaning it has shared all its power and benefits with you. In this case, don't hesitate to return it to the earth.