Turquoise is a blue-green mineral.
Turquoise is a blue-green mineral, a phosphate of aluminum and copper, prized for its rarity and unique hue, and widely used as an ornamental stone. Popular in the 16th century to adorn places of worship in Turkey, it was eventually traded in Turkish bazaars and brought to Europe by merchants and travelers. This stone is brittle, only slightly stronger than window glass, so special care must be taken during removal and transportation.
In the past, only rulers wore turquoise, especially Egyptian pharaohs.
The bluer the stone, the more expensive. Color variations are due to the presence of metals, such as iron impurities in the case of turquoise green. Most of the original mines have been depleted long ago, and today’s supply comes primarily from a by-product of copper mining. Iran is the world’s largest producer of this mineral; It is also mined in the southwestern United States, primarily in Arizona and Nevada. This made the stone a popular choice for creating American Indian religious jewelry, tile, and decoration.
Direct sunlight should be avoided to preserve the quality of turquoise.
In the past, the mineral was only used by rulers, especially ancient Egyptian pharaohs, Aztec kings, and Chinese emperors. Often inlaid with gold and combined with other stones such as jade, quartz, and malachite, it was considered a magical stone that could protect the wearer from evil forces. The Apache and Navajo tribes also considered the stone to be a powerful amulet, although anyone could wear it.
Turquoise is a byproduct of copper mining.
It is now possible for anyone to buy and use this mineral, as long as they have the resources to do so. If the price is considered, artificial turquoise is available. While early imitations were made of glass and enamel and were easily identifiable, newer versions are indistinguishable to the untrained eye.
Turquoise needs care to keep it in the best conditions. Stone is sensitive to chemicals and naturally brittle, so it should not come into contact with strong perfumes or cleaning chemicals, it should be kept out of direct sunlight, and it should not be banged against hard surfaces. It scratches easily, so owners should also take care of it during storage. The mineral also needs to “breathe” to retain its deep natural color. The lack of air will eventually cause the stone to turn green, contributing to its loss in value.