December has three birthstones: Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon. Last year our December blog focused on Tanzanite so this year we wanted to share 10 random facts about the popular gemstone, Turquoise.
1. Turquoise is a mineral that is valued for its blue-green color. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum.
2. Turquoise has been mined for thousands of years, and was highly prized by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans.
3. The name "turquoise" comes from the French word "turquois," meaning "Turkish," because the gemstone was believed to have originated in Turkey.
4. Turquoise is the birthstone for the month of December.
5. The largest turquoise mine in the world is the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, which has been producing turquoise for over a century.
6. Turquoise can be found in many parts of the world, including Iran, Afghanistan, China, and the United States.
7. Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a rating of 5-6 on the Mohs scale. It is often stabilized with resin or other materials to improve its durability and prevent cracking.
8. In Native American culture, turquoise is considered a sacred stone that represents protection, wisdom, and strength. It is often used in jewelry, as well as in traditional ceremonial objects and art.
9. Turquoise is often associated with the American Southwest and has become a symbol of the region's cultural heritage.
10. The most valuable turquoise is the Robin's Egg Blue variety, which has a deep blue color and is highly sought after by collectors and jewelry designers.
1. Turquoise is a mineral that is valued for its blue-green color. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum.
2. Turquoise has been mined for thousands of years, and was highly prized by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans.
3. The name "turquoise" comes from the French word "turquois," meaning "Turkish," because the gemstone was believed to have originated in Turkey.
4. Turquoise is the birthstone for the month of December.
5. The largest turquoise mine in the world is the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, which has been producing turquoise for over a century.
6. Turquoise can be found in many parts of the world, including Iran, Afghanistan, China, and the United States.
7. Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, with a rating of 5-6 on the Mohs scale. It is often stabilized with resin or other materials to improve its durability and prevent cracking.
8. In Native American culture, turquoise is considered a sacred stone that represents protection, wisdom, and strength. It is often used in jewelry, as well as in traditional ceremonial objects and art.
9. Turquoise is often associated with the American Southwest and has become a symbol of the region's cultural heritage.
10. The most valuable turquoise is the Robin's Egg Blue variety, which has a deep blue color and is highly sought after by collectors and jewelry designers.