Throughout the course of history, much importance has been given to the blue-green gemstone known as turquoise. Regarded as one of the world’s most ancient gems, turquoise has been used as talismans for royalty, warriors, and shamans. Though it lacks the sparkle and clarity often found in other transparent coloured gemstones, it still manages to draw everyone’s attention with its multi-layered history and rich colour.
Today, jewellery pieces embedded with turquoise sold at jewellery shops are still sought after.
A Prized Gemstone
The gemstone’s name was derived from the French phrase pierre turquoise, or “Turkish stone”, due to the fact that the gemstone arrived in Europe from Turkish sources. Even before its arrival in Europe, turquoise has been widely used during the ancient times. Archaeologists discovered that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with jewellery pieces made of turquoise, and Chinese artisans have been creating goods out of these gemstones. Ancient Egyptians called this gemstone “mefkat”, an ancient word for “joy” and “delight”.
Native American tribes, on the other hand, used turquoise as a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange. They also used the gems to guard their burial sites. The Apaches, meanwhile, believed that adorning their bows or firearms with turquoise increases their accuracy.
A Gem of Protection
For thousands of years, many believed that turquoise has the power to protect the wearer from negative things, be it illnesses, injuries, or disasters. It has also been considered as a symbol of male power, and a talisman of luck, success, ambition, and creativity.
Today, turquoise is still regarded as a helpful talisman in the workplace, as it helps in avoiding unwise investments and releasing anxiety. Turquoise is also regarded as a talisman for protection against theft and accidents, especially for travellers.
Found in Few Places
Though turquoise is plentiful, this gemstone is found in only a few places. Turquoise forms in dry and barren regions, particularly places where acidic and copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals containing phosphorus and aluminium. Traditionally, this gemstone is soured from the Nishapur district of Iran, the land formerly known as Persia.
Turquoise is relatively soft, making it ideal for carving. It’s the medium of choice amongst artists in Europe, Asia, and America in creating carved jewellery and art objects. Top-quality turquoise, on the other hand, is made into finely-wrought jewellery pieces sold at the nearest jewellery shop in Reading, like Jacobs.
Sources:
Turquoise, GIA.edu
Turquoise Meanings and Uses, Crystal Vaults