Jet of the Day - DG Designs

Turquoise, the robin's egg blue gemstone worn by Pharaohs and Aztec Kings, is probably one of the oldest gemstones known. Yet, only it’s prized blue color, a color so distinctive that its name is used to describe any color that resembles it, results in its being used as a gemstone. Turquoise has been, since about 200 B.C., extensively used by both southwestern U.S. Native Americans and by many of the Indian tribes in Mexico.  Turquoise is one of my favorite gemstones:

Sleeping Beauty - Turquoise Rondelle and Fine Silver Heart Necklace -DG Designs

Turquoise is rarely faceted. Usually, it is cut into cabochons or beads, or into some more imaginative shape.  Turquoise is a copper aluminum phosphate with a hardness of 6, i.e. considerably softer than quartz. In Nature, it occurs in the whole range of hues from sky blue to grey-green, and it is mostly found in places where there is a high concentration of copper in the soil. However, turquoise is only really turquoise in the very best quality; mostly, the color is paler, or bluish-green or greenish. 

The blue color is created by copper, the green by iron and a certain amount of chrome. Often, the material has veins or blotches running through it, which are brown, light grey or black depending on where it was found. These lively, more or less regular patterns are known as 'turquoise matrix'. The crystals are microscopically small and can hardly ever be recognized with the naked eye. As a rule, turquoise occurs as a filling in veins or crevices, or in the form of nuggets. The most well known deposits are in the USA, Mexico, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan and China. The most beautiful turquoises, in a splendid light blue, come from deposits in the north of Iran.

Tibetan Healing Pendant  in Turquoise and Sterling Silver - Foret Two

In modern gemstone therapy, those suffering from depression are recommended to wear a turquoise or a chain with turquoise beads. The turquoise' cheerful color is said to endow reticent personalities with more confidence. It is also often given as a gift, a stone of friendship, for the turquoise is said to be responsible for faithfulness and constancy in relationships.

Turquoise and Dyed Jade Necklace - Designed by Val

Blue Earth - Untreated Natural Turquoise and Sterling Silver Post Earrings - OVGillies Designs

The color of the turquoise makes us feel happy and cheerful, for in it the light blue of the sky and the stimulating green of the sea are combined.  Anyone choosing a turquoise is sure to enjoy a piece of Heaven ... on Earth.

South Western Turquoise and Sterling Silver Necklace and Earrings Set

Turquoise should be protected from cosmetics, heat and bright light. It is not a gemstone to take with you when you go sunbathing. It is best to give it a cleaning from time to time with a soft cloth.

Cerrillos Turquoise and Sterling Silver Necklace

 Thanks for reading,

Debbie