Noble people of Tibet often bear the surname “Turquoise Roof”. This is how the inhabitants of the area protect themselves and their family. Only, the role of “roof” is not bandits or big businessmen, but God.
Tibetans deify and consider this stone the earthly embodiment of the spirit that bestows well-being. Turquoise is also worshiped in the West. Surnames associated with the stone are rare.
But they don’t refuse to wear it. So, when Napoleon's wife Marie Louise was presented with a tiara with diamonds and emeralds, the woman demanded that the green stones be replaced with turquoise ones. It is worth paying attention to the mineral, which has received so much attention from royalty.
Turquoise deposits
There is a mineral deposit on Earth that has not become scarce for 4,000 years. These are Iranian deposits near the city of Nishapur. Turquoise recognized national symbol country and, in general, the Persian people.
Therefore, Iranians primarily export mined stones to Islamic states. The worst examples are sent to the West. Mashhad Moqaddam himself, the president of the Iran Turquoise Cutters Association, speaks about this.
Mineral turquoise It is also mined in China, in the Sichuan province. The local stones were described by Marco Polo. The traveler wrote: “The Great Master does not allow it to be mined, he prohibited it by his decree.”
Polo meant the Emperor of the Celestial Empire. He wished that jewelry with turquoise, items from it were only in the palace. The royal stone was supposed to belong exclusively to the gentlemen. Now the emperor's ban has been lifted. Sichuan deposits are being developed. Anyone can buy the mineral.
There are also deposits overseas. IN THE USA turquoise - stone, mined in Arizona. Local samples are famous for their rich color. The same ones are found only in Australia.
True, reserves are small. They are impressive on the Sinai Peninsula. Otherwise, Egypt would not have been able to continuously mine turquoise for 3,000 years. The area of the deposit is 640 square kilometers.
In Russia bracelet with turquoise local origin can only be from the Urals. Several deposits of stone are hidden in the mountains of the region. There are no more deposits in the country, and the Ural ones are depleted.
The nearest reserves of the mineral are in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. In the latter state, turquoise was discovered just a couple of decades ago.
Physical properties of turquoise
Properties of turquoise based on her chemical formula. The mineral is a hydrous phosphate of aluminum.
Often, it contains a lot of inclusions of other stones - quartz, carbonates, etc. The more impurities, the worse the color of turquoise and the more difficult it is to process. In particular, samples with foreign inclusions are difficult to polish.
Now let's look at the basic formula. If iron predominates, ring with turquoise will delight you with a greenish tint. Only those stones in which copper “leads” have a pure heavenly tone.
Possible colors of the gem are pale blue, greenish blue, azure and bluish. Often, the color is uneven. The colors come out in patches. There may also be a black “web”. In the latter case, turquoise is called mesh.
Turquoise is a stone, V properties which includes an oily, waxy sheen. It is lost after polishing and becomes glassy. By the way, polishing and processing stone is not difficult. The hardness of the gem does not exceed 6 points. The main thing is that the crystal structure is relatively homogeneous.
The density of the mineral is close to 2.8 grams per cubic centimeter. That is, the stone should be quite heavy. But, ring with turquoise, or brooch, is a product with a porous gem.
The abundance of voids facilitates the stone, and at the same time, the penetration of fats and other pollutants into it. Therefore, they try to coat the mineral with a protective varnish. If it wears off, the insert will become vulnerable to perfume, household chemicals, acetone.
The porosity of the stone increases sharply with weathering. In known deposits, about half of the samples need to be rejected. In order not to suffer losses, industrialists improve illiquid assets. Wax and plastic are used. Is soaked in them turquoise. Color At the same time, it becomes saturated, and the structure is homogeneous, the voids are filled.
The color of the stone also changes when exposed to moisture. This became the reason to call the gem alive. The mineral also has age. Young, for example, is called blue turquoise. It has not yet been touched by weathering.
The stone may become sick. This is what they say about green samples. The death of the gem is also possible. Under certain conditions, humidity, and proximity to certain chemicals, the mineral becomes dull, losing its azure.
Combined with white spots on the stone, it does not always indicate that it is “painful”. Light inclusions can be “captured” by kaolenite and minerals.
Features of turquoise formation
What happens turquoise? Photo The mineral usually exhibits kidney-shaped formations. The photographs look like slightly rounded stones.
You can find the gem in crystals only in the American state of Virginia. But the aggregates are small, no more than 0.3 millimeters. Standard turquoise formations are not large either. It does not exist in the form of a solid rock, and individual stones reach a weight of no more than 50 grams.
This is due to the stone turquoise price. For samples weighing more than 20 grams, many are willing to fork out money, even if the structure of the mineral is not ideal.
Mineral turquoise properties It acquires its properties at the surface of the earth, where it is formed. The process is associated with the circulation of meteoric waters in rocks, simply put, atmospheric precipitation.
If on their way they encounter an increased concentration of copper and phosphorus, they will be a gem. True, a temperature of 80 to 180 degrees Celsius is required. The volume of mineral-forming elements should be 5-6 times higher than the standard for the earth’s crust.
Looking at the terrain and its features, one can assume areas where turquoise occurs. It is found either in desert areas or in the crevices of ridges. Deposits of the latter type are hidden in the Caucasus Mountains. The first class includes deposits of the same Iran and Egypt.
The ancient Persians considered turquoise to be the bones of people who died of love. It is impossible to prove the motive for the death. But the organic origin of the mineral is determined under a microscope.
Some samples are indeed bones, the pores of which are replaced by copper, aluminum, and phosphorus. The mineral set settles not only in human remains, but also in animal bones.
Applications of turquoise
The use of turquoise was found in Ancient Egypt. Pharaohs and nobles of the country ground the mineral into powder and added it to creams. The stone served as a cosmetic product. It was believed that azure granules rejuvenate the skin and make its color even.
In some countries of the East, the gem served as “paper”. Verses from the Koran were carved on stone tablets. The Indians of North America did not make turquoise.
It, unchanged, not even polished, was used as money. The Mexicans, for example, were happy to accept such payment for their goods.
I went the same way turquoise. Buy it was sought as a gift to loved ones. William Shakespeare wrote in his play “The Merchant of Venice” that products with azure served as a symbol of tender feelings.
Before you go to the store see ring with turquoise, or, it doesn’t hurt to know that the mineral belongs to the 1st class of semi-precious stones.
Jewelers divide samples into 3 groups. The first group includes brightly colored stones, and the second group includes pale ones. Separately, mesh turquoise, dotted with dark lines, is distinguished.
Since jewelers paid attention to the mineral 5,000 years ago, the reserves of the gem had already been depleted. Modern deposits are on the verge of liquidation.
This affects the price turquoise. Flowers, petals and other inserts from it cost a lot of money, despite the fact that the mineral only refers to.
If you look at any jewelry website, turquoise there it will appear in the form of cabochons. They have no edges. The inserts have a smooth, convex surface. The contours of the stone are usually oval or round. A faceted cut with many planes is not typical for azure gemstones.
Medicinal properties of turquoise
The overall healing effect of turquoise is the gift of longevity. It is believed that people wearing azure stone live to a ripe old age. At the same time, vision is not lost.
Contemplation of the mineral improves the activity of the eye muscles and eliminates cataracts. At least that's what lithotherapists say. Irina Melnikova also turned her attention to the gem. The heroine of the film (which you can watch online)"Ring with turquoise" received jewelry from the groom.
However, the other one came out, finding her beloved with ex-girlfriend and without understanding the situation. The ancient Persians believed that turquoise brought happiness. Hence the name of the stone. In Persian, furuz means happiness. Will the turquoise ring bring it to Irina? Will she be reunited with her sweetheart? The answers to these questions will be given in 4 episodes of the film.
It’s not for nothing that they call the name of the stone sanatoriums. "Turquoise", for example, is on the Black Sea coast. The medical staff of the establishment knows that the azure mineral improves heart function, stops bleeding, and treats stomach ulcers.
Is it true, official site sanatorium "Turquoise" provides information about modern methods healing, not traditional. The institution adheres to the Ministry of Health program. The name of the sanatorium is a memory of the methods of our ancestors and an association with the blue surface of the sea and the southern sky.
The sanatorium is located in the village Lazarevskoe. "Turquoise" accommodates almost 500 people. They have at their disposal not only doctors’ offices, but also open-air spas, sports grounds, and gazebos. The decoration of the territory has a lot of azure color, there are elements decorated with gemstones, however, it is artificial turquoise.
IN sanatoriums to the villages Lazarevskoe deals with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, autonomic disorders, ailments respiratory tract. In total, there are about 30 ailments on the list, the doctors of the institution are ready to help cure them.
By the way, the reason to turn to them is the darkening of turquoise worn as jewelry. The mineral is porous, therefore, sensitive to sweat and other body vapors.
When deviating from the norm, the composition of human esters changes and the stone darkens. The gem may fade. Any sudden change in color is a cause for concern.
Magical properties of turquoise
The warriors of Ancient Rome took turquoise with them into battle. The stone was proclaimed a symbol of the victors. In the company with the gem, defeat was not expected. The mineral protects against misfortunes. Residents of the East try to look at turquoise for about 5 minutes every morning so that nothing bad happens during the day.
Focusing on your feelings, thoughts, deciding on life goals - this also helps turquoise. No one movie dedicated to the wonderful properties of the stone.
By the way, they are also mentioned in the new film with Gerard Depardieu. He plays a gangster who has served his time and returned home. While the man was away, his son was killed. The goal is to find the killer and take revenge. The film is just getting ready to hit the screens. But it is already known that turquoise will play an important role in the film.
They say that turquoise is a highly moral stone. The mineral helps only people with good intentions and severely punishes attackers. I wonder if the ladies who sew a piece of gem into the clothes of their loved one are one of those? This is one of the love spells. A man who shows no interest in a woman must change his attitude towards her.
Amulets and talismans with turquoise
Turquoise is a classic traveler, protecting on the way. The stone is worn to bring happiness, good luck, and maintain health into your life.
In the Middle Ages, turquoise was considered powerful against poisoning. In past centuries, this type of killing enemies was very common.
Astrologers recommend the gem for Aries, Virgo, Taurus and Scorpio. The mineral is best suited for people of the elements of water and earth. Of the fire signs, turquoise is favorable only to. The mineral is not disposed towards representatives of the air element. This is curious, because turquoise is often called a piece of heaven frozen in stone.
Everyone knows the color turquoise, but not everyone can describe a stone with that name. Meanwhile, the turquoise stone (also known as firuza, cyan) is worth taking a closer look at.
The name translated from Persian means “stone of happiness.” Different peoples called it differently, but always treated it with reverence and caution. The fact is that over time the gem changes its color. From unique blue and light green it becomes dark green, closer to gray. It's like he lives his own life own life, giving good and taking bad from the world around us. This property has given rise to many legends and myths about its extraordinary magical qualities.
History of the gem
The first descriptions of turquoise date back more than 5 thousand years ago BC. The sarcophagus of Tutankhamun in Egypt was lavishly decorated with items made from it. Gem scarab beetles are a common find in excavations of those times. In Persia, in the old days, the mining of blue crystal was a significant share of the country's economy.
The Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible suspected that the unusual gem, so changing shades in his hand, predicted his imminent death. Ioann Vasilyevich always had mystical inclinations, but here is the reaction of the stone.
The Shah of Persia, knowing about Boris Godunov’s passion for the unusually blue stone, presented the Russian Tsar with a throne decorated with oval inserts made of firuza. In Persia, by the way, there is a legend that turquoise is nothing more than the petrified bones of people who died of unhappy love.
This gem is highly valued in China; it has been mined there for almost 3,000 years. In Mongolia and Tibet it is highly valued and considered precious.
The stone was brought to Europe from the mines of Persia, through Turkey.
Place of Birth
The gem is mined all over the world. But, despite the number of mines, its reserves are small. Therefore, industrial production is unprofitable. Much of it was mined from large copper mines as a by-product.
The places where turquoise is mined have an arid climate. The most famous deposits of the “sky stone” are in Arizona, Mexico, northern Iran and the Sinai Peninsula. Mining occurs in Sudan, Poland, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Australia, Ethiopia and Chile. Turquoise deposits are also located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Altai and the Caucasus. Mineralogists claim that literally all mines date back to ancient times. It is not surprising that mineral reserves have been depleted.
Appearance and physical properties
Turquoise stone is famous for its color variability. The characteristic “turquoise color” implies a shade of blue or light blue. But the turquoise mineral itself is distinguished by a variety of colors. The base is made up of sky blue, blue, grayish green and apple colors. It is believed that the most valuable is the blue variety of the stone. But turquoise is a mineral whose color depends on age, on impurities in it, and even on the place where it was found. The color of the crystal depends on how much copper and iron it contains.
This is an unusual case where the value of a stone is determined by its origin, that is, where it was mined.
The chemical composition of turquoise is determined by the presence of aqueous phosphates and aluminum. Turquoise in nature is a crystalline aggregate with veins and inclusions of irregular shape. Brightness turquoise color depends on the copper content, the more there is, the darker it is. The mineral's constant companions in the form of impurities are zinc, chromium, sulfur, nickel and barium.
Turquoise is a porous stone, and moisture evaporates quickly. After which it begins to absorb the moist environment that is nearby: sweat and dirt particles. Of course, he turns pale and darkens from this. To restore its former beauty, craftsmen boil it in paraffin at low temperature. Paraffin fills the pores, and the stone regains its former hardness and beauty. And mystically minded people take the sudden pallor of the stone as a harbinger of death, calling it “dead turquoise.”
Firuza cannot be heated - it will turn brown and quickly crumble. It belongs to the minerals of medium softness, the hardness on the Mohs scale is 5-6 points. The formula of turquoise is hydrated aluminum phosphate.
Types of mineral
Varieties of turquoise have a precise geographical location:
- Iranian (Persian). The gem, mined in Iran, is still considered the standard of quality and beauty. Here it has a deep blue color and increased hardness.
- Chinese turquoise. Today, China is considered the main supplier of cyanogen. In this country, it is in second place in popularity and value after jade. Used as an ornamental stone for making figurines. Connoisseurs are well aware of the specimens found in Tibet. Tibetan turquoise is distinguished by a variety of colors and patterns, including spider webs. The mineral is called Liu Songshi in China.
- Stones from Arizona and Nevada. The rarest and most exotic specimens are mined there. The stones from these mines are called Arizona turquoise. Here a crystal of uniform color is mined - blue turquoise.
The following types of turquoise are also distinguished by age:
- The oldest is considered to be green turquoise with a dark tint. This species is especially revered by magicians and psychics, as it is saturated with the experience of the earth.
- The middle-aged and best-selling crystal is a delightfully blue hue. It is also called a mature stone.
- The youngest gem is white turquoise. This type also includes pale blue and light turquoise.
Dark specimens resemble the depths of the sea, while brightly colored specimens symbolize joy and optimism.
Most of the varieties of firuza belong to semi-precious samples, and only its representatives are rich blue color are considered precious.
Fortified stone option
Refined turquoise is the result of cementing and tinting turquoise raw materials. As a rule, this is done to add brightness to pale samples.
An admixture of iron makes the crystal brown, and additional processing makes it completely red. The purple color is also the result of the master’s intervention.
The designation “Gilson turquoise” includes artificially created stones. It was Gilson who invented the method for producing a synthetic crystal.
If they tell you that there is a blue crystal on the counter from Turkey, this is a lie. This gem was never mined in Turkey; only the Silk Road passed through it, along which the gems were transported. This is where the name “Turquoise” comes from.
Proper care
In order for the turquoise stone to delight you with its beauty and magical properties for a long time, you need to know a few secrets about it. Especially how to care for it at home.
It is better to wear jewelry with a gem after applying cosmetics. If you are going to take a bath, then products with stones need to be removed; warm water can cause them to lose their brightness and healing properties.
Taking into account the characteristics of the crystal, its care is carried out taking into account the basic rules:
- Keep away from heat , this contributes to the destruction of its structure.
- Clean turquoise is strictly necessary without the use of any acids or abrasives , all this will deprive it of its natural beauty.
- Try close from impact ultraviolet rays .
Why is it important to know how to wear turquoise correctly? The fact is that with careless care and constant wear, the blue crystal becomes greenish. This is how human sweat affects it. Turquoise also turns green when it comes into contact with cosmetics skin care. Even ordinary scented soap can harm her.
The question of how to clean firuza can be easily resolved - take a piece of suede or dry soft fabric and rub the crystal to the desired shine.
Where it is used and what it is combined with
Most often, jewelers use the gem in making rings, brooches, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings. Not only refined samples are used, but also those that have not undergone treatment.
When choosing this gem, you need to keep in mind that jewelry made from it goes equally well with the clothes of both women and men.
Designers advise what to wear with and correctly combine semi-precious and precious stones. So, a firuza dressed in gold will go well with dark skin. Pale skin can be enlivened by a silver finish.
Science has proven that if you watch turquoise for a long time, your vision improves. The crystal has not only special beauty, but also many magical and healing properties. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at this magnificence.
Turquoise is a sea-green semi-precious stone that has been one of the ten most revered stones on our planet for 5,000 years!
There is probably no people on Earth who do not know turquoise. Nature has rewarded the stone with a rare, piercingly exciting color. IN different cultures the stone has deservedly received many of the most enthusiastic epithets - “the stone of the Egyptian pharaohs”, “the sacred stone of Tibet”, “the heavenly stone of the American Indians”, “the favorite stone of the East”, etc.
Many peoples of the world believed that turquoise is a stone that evokes strong love. Medieval court ladies always carried talismans with turquoise with them in order to charm their chosen one. The lovers gave each other rings with turquoise. If the stone became cloudy, it meant that the love between them had faded. Eastern women, in order to attract the attention of a man, secretly sewed a turquoise stone into his clothes.
Read more about: The magical properties of turquoise
Turquoise was considered a magical talisman by the peoples who lived in different time, on different ends of the planet and had no communication with each other: in Persia, in China, in Ancient Mexico, in India, in Central America, etc. Turquoise was found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, Persian shahs, Aztecs and American Indians.
Huge developments of stone were carried out during the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. Tens of thousands of turquoise jewelry and amulets have been found in the tombs and burials of the pharaohs.
The oldest archaeological find with turquoise is a gold bracelet that was found on the hand of an Egyptian mummy. According to scientists, this decoration was created 8,000 years ago! Therefore, we can safely say that the inhabitants of the pre-Pharaonic era knew about turquoise.
American Indians highly valued turquoise and considered it the petrified tears of the sky goddess - the magic stone was used in all rituals and ceremonies. Among the Aztecs, turquoise was the stone of the gods and a military talisman. Ordinary people were forbidden to wear turquoise - it was presented as a gift to the gods. The burial ritual of leaders was always accompanied by the burial of a large amount of turquoise. Over 50,000 turquoise items were found in Aztec burials!
Buddhists considered and still consider turquoise a sacred stone. Buddhist mythology describes many legends that tell how people managed to defeat the most terrible monsters with the help of turquoise.
IN ancient Rus' turquoise was used in jewelry, as well as for decorating weapons, clothing, and religious objects. Turquoise was used to decorate the attributes of royal power; the stone was used by Russian soldiers as a talisman.
IN Medieval Europe turquoise was a vital necessity - it was used to check the presence of poison in glasses. The intrigues and machinations of the royal court often led to the death of the king's favorites and queens' favorites. And only the turquoise thrown into the glass accurately showed the wine sent.
In the East, turquoise has always been literally idolized. In Muslim countries, there were many beliefs associated with turquoise - it was believed that the stone brought love, success and wealth. Eastern merchants always had a turquoise ring on their hand, because, as the well-known eastern wisdom says, “the hand that has a turquoise ring on it will never become poor.” Another eastern proverb talks about the relationship of lovers to turquoise: “When you receive a ring with turquoise from the hands of your beloved, this stone will be a soft blue color. But as soon as she stops loving you, the stone will fade and lose its color. This is a sign that you have lost your loved one forever.”
In the Ancient East, turquoise was considered a powerful talisman, with the help of which eye diseases were healed. Medieval healers ground turquoise with ointment and advised rubbing sore eyes with this medicine.
Turquoise is a well-recognized and at the same time such a rare and valuable stone. In Ancient Iran, the cost of turquoise was higher than gold! The Persian Shahs established a monopoly on turquoise mining, so ordinary people it was virtually unavailable. Even today, the highest quality turquoise costs 3-4 times more than gold, since the volume of stone mining is low and the demand is very high.
Color and variety of turquoise
The color of turquoise has many shades: bright blue, bluish blue, light blue, dark green and so on.
Often on one turquoise stone there are several color transitions with many halftones. The piercing blue-green color is formed as a result of a combination of copper, chromium and iron.
The color of high-quality turquoise is very bright and expressive! Hundreds of poets and writers have captured the amazing similarity of this stone to the color of the sea surface.
Blue turquoise is one of the most valuable varieties of the mineral. The blue tint is due to the presence of copper (it does not contain iron). Blue turquoise has a very dense and durable structure, which is why it is used to create jewelry.
Lace and mesh turquoise
In addition to brightly colored and pale colored types of turquoise, there are also “mesh” and “lace” turquoise. On “mesh” turquoise, the pattern consists of thin intersecting black and brown veins. "Mesh" turquoise (turquoise matrix) is very picturesque and enjoys high demand in the jewelry market.
Lace turquoise has a delicate and complex pattern created by graceful circles intertwined with each other.
As the stone ages, copper is replaced by iron oxide, and turquoise gradually begins to turn green.
Yellow-green turquoise is valued less than sky blue stone.
origin of name
The Russian word "turquoise" comes from the Persian words "firuze" ("stone of happiness") and "piruz" (victory, winner, victorious).
"Firuzaj" is translated from Arabic as "victorious."
Due to the fact that turquoise enjoyed increased popularity in medieval Turkey and was supplied from there to Europe, in many European languages the stone received a “Turkish” name. The French called turquoise "turquoise", which translates as "Turkish stone". Although the stone has never been mined in Turkey. In those years, turquoise was actively mined in Iran and transported along the Great Silk Road through Turkey to Europe. This name for turquoise has been preserved to this day in many Romano-Germanic languages.
In Ancient Rome, turquoise was called “callais”, this is written about in the manuscripts of Pliny the Elder. An ancient Roman writer described that “the color of turquoise resembles the water near the seashore.”
Origin of turquoise
Scientists have several hypotheses about the origin of turquoise. Main hypothesis – turquoise is formed near the earth's surface as a result of cuprous surface solutions affecting rocks (phosphate, igneous, sedimentary aluminous).
There are many legends about the origin of turquoise.
For example, the ancient Persians believed that turquoise was formed from the bones of people who died of love.
Read more about: Myths and legends about turquoise
Turquoise never forms in large solid masses or large pieces. The weight of a piece of pure turquoise is usually no more than 30-50 grams. Most often, this mineral is found in the form of veins, crusts and small round inclusions.
Place of Birth
The main deposits of turquoise are Egypt, Iran, the Sinai Peninsula, and the USA.
Turquoise is also found in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China (Tibet), Mexico, Peru, Chile, Israel, Tanzania, Australia, and Argentina.
In Sinai, turquoise mining began back in the 6th millennium BC. Today these reserves are virtually depleted. Large volume Turquoise is mined from large copper deposits in the United States at the same time as copper ore is mined.
The highest quality turquoise is mined from deposits in Nishapur (Iran). Despite the fact that these mines were developed back in the 3rd millennium BC, the best varieties of turquoise in the world are mined here today. Nishapur turquoise is the world standard of this mineral.
Application
Turquoise has always been an extremely popular gemstone and ornamental stone, which was widely used in jewelry by all ancient civilizations on Earth. Since the stone is not very hard, it is not cut, but processed into polished cabochons or beads. Turquoise goes well with silver and gold, as well as other precious stones. The Egyptians, Romans, Persians, Aztecs and American Indians of the Zuni and Navajo tribes created fantastically beautiful jewelry from silver and turquoise – rings and earrings, bracelets and necklaces, pendants and brooches. The mineral was treated with sand and carefully polished. Turquoise is a very sensitive material, so rough processing can damage it and ruin its appearance.
Jewelers around the world widely use turquoise matrix (reticulated turquoise) and turquoise in rock - these are natural aggregates of turquoise with limonite or other mineral. These stones look simply great. High-quality turquoise rock is still mined today in the same place – in the southwestern United States.
Since ancient times, a beautiful and bright stone has been used to decorate weapons, armor, clothing and attributes of royal power. In the East, hookahs, tiaras, and vessels were abundantly decorated with turquoise.
Thin plates of turquoise were used to create carved artistic products - inlays on metal or wood. Irregularly shaped pieces of turquoise are used to create mosaics.
The popularity and rarity of turquoise have contributed to the fact that the stone has been actively counterfeited for a long time. The Egyptians were the first to imitate turquoise. For counterfeiting, the most various materials– colored glass, porcelain, bone impregnated with copper salts, etc.
Read more about: How to distinguish natural turquoise from a fake.
Medicinal properties of turquoise
Impact on chakras:
Turquoise is the main stone of the 5th Throat Chakra. The stone also has a good effect on the 6th Brow chakra. Turquoise is very often used for meditation. The energy of the stone allows you to discover the ability to contemplate and emotional thinking. Meditation with turquoise helps you remember and realize all your childhood fears and get rid of them, increases mental clarity and articulation, and gives you a peaceful, long sleep.
Silver significantly enhances the effect of turquoise! That's why silver jewelry with stone are always in high demand.
Since ancient times, turquoise has been used to protect against accidents. This stone helps people exposed to constant increased danger.
Cleaning Turquoise:
It is recommended to charge turquoise once a month. The procedure must be done in a container specially designated for this purpose. Hematite activates the purification of turquoise, so small hematite stones are added to a bowl of purified water and turquoise. To enhance effectiveness, charge turquoise at the same time as rock crystal and pieces of copper. The stone is extremely sensitive to high temperature– It is not recommended to heat it and charge it in the sun. Avoid contact with acid and soap.
In ancient times, no doctor could be considered a real healer if he did not have turquoise stones in his healing arsenal - such a doctor was simply not trusted.
Earrings or pendants with turquoise were “prescribed” to strengthen the heart, as well as against kidney and bladder diseases. To speed up the processes of skin regeneration in case of burns, as well as during treatment for smallpox and measles, a turquoise pebble was placed under the pillow of a sick person.
Turquoise powder was taken to save oneself from snake venom that had entered the body. Also, the magic powder helped against deadly scorpion stings. There is evidence that turquoise jewelry stopped bleeding, relieved stomach ulcers and liver diseases. The ancient Persians used turquoise to treat ulcers and tumors. Turquoise set in metal helps normalize all processes in the body and also improves immunity. In many cultures, it was believed that constantly wearing this stone in the solar plexus area significantly prolongs a person’s life.
One of the main properties of turquoise is to change its color depending on the state of the environment. The structure of the stone absorbs moisture and fats and therefore reacts to changes in the state of the human body - it is a kind of indicator of health. The stone reacts to changes in temperature, as well as changes in the humidity of the human body. Darkened turquoise is a sign that the owner of the stone needs to undergo an examination.
Modern lithotherapists who offer a stone treatment system recommend wearing silver jewelry with turquoise to anyone who suffers from insomnia.
In the diaries of ancient healers there are records that “in a silver frame, turquoise relieves insomnia and nightmares, and in a pendant it stops severe bleeding.”
Doctors of the medieval East noted that “if you finely crush turquoise and lubricate your teeth with this healing powder, it will remove tooth worms and prevent your teeth from rotting.”
There is evidence that ointments made from turquoise healed serious eye diseases - they treated cataracts, returned color to the pupils, and increased the ability to see well at night. It was believed that looking at this beautiful stone daily for a few minutes in the morning would improve vision. Turquoise helps relieve eye strain after long and intense work, and restores vision.
Turquoise helped during childbirth, relieved heartburn and female diseases. Turquoise was used to treat jaundice and various diseases stomach. Nursing mothers were advised to wear turquoise to increase education breast milk. Stroking the abdomen with turquoise helps to cope with chronic stomach diseases - before the procedure, you need to warm the stone in your palms to energize it.
Constantly wearing turquoise is an excellent way to prevent many different diseases (diabetes, allergies, sore throat, flu, rheumatism, arthrosis, skin inflammation, neuroses).
Another healing stone of a beautiful green hue is chrysoprase. Ancient eastern healers used chrysoprase as a medicine - applied to sore spots to treat gout, skin rashes, eye diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. Ancient healers noted that the pleasant greenish tint of the stone helps restore good spirits.
Read more about: The healing properties of chrysoprase
History of turquoise
The history of turquoise goes back thousands of years and throughout its journey this mineral has enjoyed increased attention and special honor. The popularity of the stone is confirmed by archaeological excavations.
For example, in Ancient Egypt it is difficult to find a burial that did not contain amazing beautiful jewelry with a stone. Queen Nefertiti herself wore one of these jewelry. The tombs of the pharaohs were especially richly decorated, since they believed that turquoise talismans would help them in the afterlife.
In Ancient Egypt, blue turquoise was especially valued. Thousands of slaves were sent to search for and extract it into the lifeless desert of the Sinai Peninsula, many of whom did not return from the deadly campaign. The color of turquoise was extremely rare, like the stone itself, so such jewelry was very expensive and was available only to the nobility.
The sarcophagus and treasury of Tutankhamun's tomb are decorated with turquoise - the level of workmanship of the products is uniquely high. In addition to countless decorations, the pharaoh's chest ornament was found in the tomb - a golden falcon inlaid with turquoise and other precious stones. A unique specimen of a turquoise scarab was also found here. The Egyptians were famous for their skillful jewelry making and excellent combination of turquoise and gold.
The Egyptians carved figures of scarab beetles from turquoise, which were considered sacred. Such amulets were considered the most spectacular in their magical powers. Scarab beetles symbolized the sun and were revered as cult creatures.
In Ancient China, turquoise was revered very highly and was considered the second favorite national stone in importance - after jade. In Ancient Tibet, turquoise was not even considered a stone, but a living being and a deity. Representatives of the Tibetan nobility took “turquoise” surnames – “Turquoise Roof” and so on.
Turquoise is the national stone of the Iranian (Persian) people. The ancient Persians highly revered this stone and believed that turquoise protected its owner from evil forces and brought happiness. Turquoise was presented to each other as a gift as a sign of love, tenderness and passion.
Turquoise was a mandatory element in wedding decoration the most brides different nations(Volga region, Caucasus, Central Asia). The traditional outfit of a Muslim bride necessarily included jewelry made from this stone, since it symbolized virginity, purity and a happy future. family life. Turquoise rings were exchanged on the day of engagement. Such a ring was a sign of attraction and symbolized eternal love.
Turquoise is the official stone of honor in the US states of Arizona and New Mexico. The Navajo shepherds who live there still carry pieces of turquoise with them to this day because they consider the stone sacred.
Throughout history, the magical properties of turquoise have been noted by bright historical figures from various times.
Tsar Ivan the Terrible was very fond of blue turquoise. There is evidence that shortly before his death, the king complained of weakness and said that the turquoise was fading before his eyes, foreshadowing his imminent death. The English traveler Horsey recorded the words of Ivan the Terrible: “Look at the turquoise and take it in your hands. It remains as bright as before, but how turquoise fades when you put it on my hand! I am infected with a disease, and therefore the turquoise loses its color. It foretells my death."
Tsar Boris Godunov was also very fond of turquoise - the lower part of his throne, donated by the Shah of Iran in 1604, was decorated with large inserts oval shape made from turquoise. High-quality turquoise was supplied from Iran to Moscow, which was used to decorate the weapons, helmets and thrones of the Russian tsars.
According to Konstantin Danzas (a lyceum friend of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin and a second in his duel), before his death the poet gave him a ring with turquoise, which his wife Natalya Nikolaevna gave him as a talisman. Golden ring It was pear-shaped and decorated with pale green turquoise. Pushkin refused the ring just before the duel.
At the beginning of the 13th century, the English king John the Landless ordered a ring with turquoise to be made for him so that it would warn him of approaching diseases (turquoise reacts by changing color to an increase or decrease in the temperature of the human body).
Turquoise has a long history. The stone began to bring happiness many centuries ago. It is impossible to deny him magic and power. Crystals are not subjected to various processing processes; they are used in jewelry in their natural form. Pure crystals decorate, heal, and improve fate.
Various civilizations are familiar with stone. It is unknown who became the first owner, but there are a huge number of legends and stories about the appearance of the mineral. Most famous stories:
Ivan the Terrible showed the palace entourage how the crystal changed in his hands. He understood that death was near.
Boris Godunov admired the shimmering blue lights, calming his excited psyche. A throne decorated with turquoise inserts was brought to the king from Persia.
There are many descriptions of the mineral, as well as names. In Ancient Egypt, callais (turquoise) found its place in Natural History. It was found in the form of ledges on rocks in places inaccessible to humans. It seemed to the ancients that the stone did not grow from the mountain, but appeared from above and clung to it. The mineral received its modern name, turquoise, in the 13th century. The version of the translation from Persian is accepted, but the words are different:
- Firuze is a crystal of happiness.
- Pyruz is the mineral of winners.
In countries, the sound of the gift of the Earth is close, but individual for each language:
- In China it is called liu sonshi and has been mined for more than 3 thousand years.
- In Europe it is called Turkish stone, after the place from which it came.
Color palette of stones
The mystical powers invested in turquoise depend on the color. It is not clear which shade of turquoise stone is stronger. All colors have a common tone, but the natural highlight differs in mystery. Master jewelers work on the shades; they create masterpieces and help turquoise remain fashionable and attractive for any age.
The most popular color classification:
- turquoise;
- light;
- dark;
- bright;
- turquoise pearls;
- aquamarine;
- blue turquoise;
- cyanogen;
- very dark;
- thrush eggs;
- heavenly turquoise;
- Electric color.
It is difficult for those who describe each color to convey the shade of the stones, so more often they are displayed in the form of drawings or photographs. Such palettes help you choose your own, consider what the surface of the mineral is. Stones are admired, choosing words to describe their natural colors. Which shades are most admired:
- pale - tenderness;
- light – the warmth of summer clouds;
- dark – depth of the sea;
- bright – youth and optimism;
- pearl - health.
Turquoise has been considered a stone of happiness since ancient times. The mineral is quite soft, it tends to crack during processing and change color; the stone is difficult to grind and polish. Because of this, turquoise is not cut and inserted into products in the form of round or oval cabochons.
This stone, more often than any other, was credited with healing and mysterious properties. There is a belief that whoever sees turquoise in the morning will be completely carefree all day. In the old days, there was a belief that some varieties of turquoise were formed from the bones of dead unhappy lovers.
A gem changes its energy and color during its life. Some consider green turquoise to be “dead”, having no healing or magical properties, while others consider the green mineral to be a stone of mature people who have achieved their life goals.
There is a belief that if the stone decorating the ring begins to fade, then the affection of the person who gave the jewelry decreases.
The name of the stone comes from the Persian word firuza, which means “stone of happiness.” The mineral and its varieties have other names: callaite, Aztec stone, azure spar, heavenly stone, Egyptian turquoise, war stone, calchihuitl.
The stone may have a blue, sky blue, yellowish green or green tint. The gem has a silky shine. A type of mineral containing a large number of iron, called raschleite.
In Central Asia, turquoise has been mined since ancient times. These minerals are found in the form of nodules, phenocrysts, lenses, and irregular secretions. The highest quality turquoise is mined in Iran. The gem was discovered in Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Turquoise: how to distinguish a fake from a real stone
Prices for turquoise jewelry
Turquoise stone - magical properties of the mineral
Healing properties of the stone
Turquoise stone suits which zodiac sign
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