Turquoise
The Turquoise - December birthstone
"If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless whate'er you do."
- Anonymous
Definition
The word Turquoise is derived from the French expression pierre tourques, or “Turkish stone.” The name, which originated in the thirteenth century, reflects the fact that the material probably first arrived in Europe from Turkish sources. Other sources suggest that the name is derived from the Greek word "Turkois" which means "Turkish".
Characteristics
For those who were born in the month of December the Turquoise is the traditional birthstone. The properties with which the Turquoise is associated are prosperity, success, happiness and good fortune. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for Turquoise are open communication, protection against all diseases, regeneration, and strengthening. The healing properties of Turquoise are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the throat, lungs, asthma, teeth, depression. and infection. The Turquoise is also used to enhance creativity, serenity and spiritual bonding.
Physical Properties
Turquoise is a blue to grey green mineral consisting of copper aluminium phosphate. Turquoise is the only gemstone belonging to the phosphates family. It is a hydrous phosphate of aluminium with a small percentage of copper which gives it the blue colouring. When associated with iron the colour tends to be greenish. Blue turquoise is highly valued as a gemstone. Turquoise is found in Iran, United States, Africa, Australia, Siberia, and Europe.
History
Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewellery, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet, and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil.
Turquoise was a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange for Native American tribes in the southwestern US. They also used it in their jewelry and amulets. The Apaches believed that turquoise attached to a bow or firearm increased a hunter’s or warrior’s accuracy.
"If cold December gave you birth
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a turquoise blue
Success will bless whate'er you do."
- Anonymous
Definition
The word Turquoise is derived from the French expression pierre tourques, or “Turkish stone.” The name, which originated in the thirteenth century, reflects the fact that the material probably first arrived in Europe from Turkish sources. Other sources suggest that the name is derived from the Greek word "Turkois" which means "Turkish".
Characteristics
For those who were born in the month of December the Turquoise is the traditional birthstone. The properties with which the Turquoise is associated are prosperity, success, happiness and good fortune. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for Turquoise are open communication, protection against all diseases, regeneration, and strengthening. The healing properties of Turquoise are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the throat, lungs, asthma, teeth, depression. and infection. The Turquoise is also used to enhance creativity, serenity and spiritual bonding.
Physical Properties
Turquoise is a blue to grey green mineral consisting of copper aluminium phosphate. Turquoise is the only gemstone belonging to the phosphates family. It is a hydrous phosphate of aluminium with a small percentage of copper which gives it the blue colouring. When associated with iron the colour tends to be greenish. Blue turquoise is highly valued as a gemstone. Turquoise is found in Iran, United States, Africa, Australia, Siberia, and Europe.
History
Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewellery, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet, and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil.
Turquoise was a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange for Native American tribes in the southwestern US. They also used it in their jewelry and amulets. The Apaches believed that turquoise attached to a bow or firearm increased a hunter’s or warrior’s accuracy.
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