Turquoise
The Sky Stone symbolizes success and luck.
📜 History and Stories
Turkish stone is one of the oldest gemstones in the world, dating back to 6000 BC. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs, such as Tutankhamen, had large quantities of Turquoise inlaid in their gold masks. Its English name, Turquoise, means "Turkish", because Turkish stones from ancient Persia were brought to Europe by Turkish caravans.
In Native American cultures, turquoise was considered a sacred stone, and the Apache believed that its attachment to the bow and arrow improved the accuracy of the hunter, and it was considered a sacred medium connecting the sky to the earth.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
Historically, the finest Turkish stone came from Persia (now Iran) and its pure sky blue color was considered the highest standard. Today, the southwestern United States (especially Arizona) is an important producer of the famous "Sleeping Beauty" Turkish stone. Hubei Province in China is also a major producer of commercial grade Turkish stone.
📍 Explore a famous source: Sleeping Beauty Mine, USA🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Mineral Types | Copper-aluminum phosphate, aqueous |
| Chemical composition | `CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈-4H₂O` |
| Mohs hardness | 5 - 6 |
| index of refraction | Approx. 1.610 - 1.650 |
| Structure | Usually opaque, massive or veined. |
Turkish stone vs.
💰 Different quality grades and values
The value of a Turkish stone is mainly determined by its color, the distribution of its matrix and whether it has been treated or not.
1. Color
The most important factor. Pure, even "robin's egg blue" or sky blue is the most valuable, while greenish or dull colors are less valuable.
2. Matrix
This refers to the web-like veins in the stone. Pure colors without iron threads are the most prized, and beautiful "spider webbing" is also highly sought after.
3. Treatment
Natural untreated Turkish stone is the most valuable. Stabilization is common in the market to enhance its durability.
4. Origin
Turkish stones from famous mines in Persia or the United States, such as the Sleeping Beauty Mine, have a higher value due to their history and quality.
A value ladder of different qualities
There is a huge difference in value from treated green turquoise to top quality, untreated pure sky blue "Sleeping Beauty" turquoise.
💖 Symbolism
🗓️
December Birthstone
Sharing the honor of being the birthstone of December with tanzanite and zirconium, it symbolizes success and good fortune.
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11th Wedding Anniversary Stone
Representing luck and happiness, it is a jewel to commemorate the 11th wedding anniversary.
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Protection and Friendship
Known as the "Stone of Friendship", it is said to protect the wearer from harm and negative energy.
🛡️ Care and Wear
Turkish stone is a relatively delicate gemstone, less hard and more porous, requiring special care.
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Stay away from chemicals
Avoid contact with cosmetics, perfumes and oils.
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Avoid hard contact.
Low hardness, easily scratched and cracked.
☀️
Avoid high temperatures
Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause the color to fade.
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Gentle and clean
Wipe only with a soft cloth and water.
👑 celebrities and fashion
Turkish stones are loved by the fashion world and celebrities for their unique colors and bohemian style. From Hollywood stars to fashion icons, many prefer to wear bold Turkish stone necklaces or rings as a statement of personality. High-end jewelry brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels also regularly use top quality Turkish stones in their designs.