Earth to Bauble: Chapter 2 Turquoise

Ahh the cool beauty of Turquoise. The universal appeal of this stone spans the centuries from ancient Egypt to our American Indian peoples and to the runways and catwalks for spring and summer fashions in particular.

Here in Texas and the Southwest it is a staple in our wardrobes just as jeans are a must have. But what exactly is Turquoise? How is it processed from it's raw form to the beautiful and artistic pieces of jewelry we know and love.

Turquoise is hydrated aluminum copper phosphate that often contains iron. It's name sake comes from the French pierre turquoise meaning "Turkish Stone" referring to trade routes from the east. It is a soft stone, softer than quartz and so when when manufacturers.considering using turquoise it is often process or stabilized in order to increase the strength of the stone.

The diversity in color is due to it's location in the soil and the presence of other elements in the raw stone. The bandwidth of colors range from sky blue to a grey-green color.

The striking blue color of turquoise is derived from the presence of copper in the soil, while the green color is a result of the presence iron or chromium.



Turquoise has been mined for eons, since at least 6000 B.C. Early Egyptians wore the stone, and many turquoise pieces have been found in their tombs. The ancient Aztecs in Northern Peru used to decorate their ceremonial masks with this stone, which they considered holy. Persian philosopher Al Kazwini wrote that "the hand wearing a turquoise and using it as a sealing stone will never be poor." Turquoises were used to decorate turbans, often set in a border of pearls, to protect the wearer from the evil eye. The gemstone did not reach Europe until the Crusades.


Turquoise is considered a stone of wholeness, promoting the sense of unity of the self and oneness with all that surrounds us. It is said to make one feel at home in both the physical and spiritual worlds. It also is believed to assist the absorption of nutrients while strengthening the immune system and stimulating tissue regeneration. Crystal healers recommend it for detoxification of alcohol, poisons or radiation. Turquoise is mined in the U.S.A. (Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico), China, Peru, Mexico, Persia (Iran), Tibet, Siberia, Africa, Australia and Europe.

Information on Turquoise has been provided by The Gemstone Beads Index @ Rings & Things.com http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html

To become decked in this gorgeous stone, or to give someone the gift of turquoise, contact me to place your order. Check out the 2008 Catalog in the links to your right.
Get Your Bling on!