The precious stone used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a bluish green mineral that is a phosphate of aluminum and copper. It’s a rare stone that has been used in decorative pieces and jewelry for thousands of years and was worn from around 6000 B.C. by the Egyptians. It was a valued gem worn by the kings of the Aztecs and the Pharaohs. It has also been used in lovely ornamental pieces by the Native Americans and Persians. Most specimens mined are very small, frequently so tiny that they need a microscope to be visible. Gemstone quality turquoise is found in Afghanistan, Australia, Iran, Arizona and New Mexico in the US.
The name turquoise is thought to come from the French word meaning Turkey as it was wrongly believed that the gems originated in that country as they were sold in the markets to merchants from Europe. In fact they most likely came from Sinai Peninsula or Iran. It may perhaps also have arisen from the French word pierre turquin which means blue stone. It is frequently found in copper deposits typically in dessert or very dry conditions.
Before turquoise was discovered in the US the finest quality gems, with an intense blue color, came from Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used in the present day to designate the finest quality gems. In the last years of the nineteenth century turquoise was discovered in the US with deposits that equaled the quality of the Persian gems. Nowadays the US is the major producer of this gorgeous gemstone.
Use of Turquoise by the Aztecs
The Aztecs used turquoise extensively, frequently with gold and many other minerals such as quartz, jade, jet and malachite as well as shells and corals. They used it in masks, shields, knives and mosaics. Some magnificent mosaics that survived destruction by the Spanish are exhibited at the British Museum.
The Use of Turquoise by the Native Americans
The Navajo, Apache and Pueblo tribes used turquoise as a talisman frequently believing it could influence an archer’s aim. The original turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included turquoise beads, mosaics and carvings and only from in the last part of the nineteenth century was the typical jewelry made from silver produced. Navajo craftsmen started to make jewelry in this type from silver coins for trade with white men.
Taking Care of Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is moderately soft and needs to be looked after with care to prevent it from being scratched. It can lose it’s lustre if heated, or exposed to sunlight or weak acids so you should be careful to remove any turquoise jewelry before using hot water or household chemicals.
December Birthstone Jewelry
Turquoise is the gemstone for December in the modern birthstone jewelry system. In traditional schemes the birthstones are ruby and zircon. Turquoise jewelry makes a gorgeous gift whether set in earrings, necklaces, pendants or rings. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.
Related posts:
- Turquoise - The Gemstone of the Gods
- Silver Turquoise Jewelry – the Beautiful Blue Gemstone
- Turquoise - The Gemstone of Folklore and Legend
- August Birthstone Jewelry - The Peridot
- Tanzanite Jewelry - Hot Favorite For December Borns
- How Modern Birthstone Jewelry Has Developed Through the Ages
- June Birthstone Jewelry - The Alexandrite
- The Enticing Turquoise Jewelry
- Historical and Contemporary Turquoise Jewelry
- Turquoise Mines Around the World
