Turquoise: meaning, origins and properties

Turquoise is a very popular gemstone, used for centuries in the manufacture of jewelry and decorative objects. It is highly prized for its attractive color and natural beauty.
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What does turquoise mean?

The name "turquoise" means "stone from Turkey". This natural stone owes its name to a misunderstanding. When Venetian merchants introduced it to Europe, Europeans thought it originated in Turkey, when in fact it came from Persia. The Persians called it "Feroza" or "Firuze", meaning "victorious".

The origin of turquoise

Turquoise was already mined in ancient Egypt for jewelry and decoration. During archaeological excavations, turquoise bracelets were found on the arms of mummies. The oldest was discovered in the tomb of Queen Zar, and served as her protection. It dates back to 6000 BC.
Pharaoh Tutankhamun's sarcophagus was set with numerous gemstones, including lapis lazuli, amethyst, turquoise and carnelian. His funerary mask was also adorned with turquoise.
In Persia, this blue stone was used as currency, but also as a talisman to protect against the evil eye. It also adorned the turbans and rings of dignitaries, who used it as a seal.

Tibetans and Indians believed in its curative properties and medicinal virtues. It was also a symbol of courage, devotion and benevolence.

For the Aztecs, it was a sacred stone. They used it with other stones to decorate their ceremonial objects. They believed that turquoise was too powerful and that only the gods could wear it.
The Apaches believed in its protective power. Turquoise represented the goddess of change, also known as the "turquoise woman". They believed she could guide hunters and warriors. That's why they attached a turquoise stone to their weapons, believing that the stone would ensure they didn't miss their target.
For the Navajo, turquoise was bits of sky that fell to earth.

What are the properties of turquoise?

This blue stone has a hardness of between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale and a density of between 2.6 and 2.9. Real turquoise is a relatively soft stone and can be prone to scratching if not handled with care. It is also sensitive to chemicals and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

What color is turquoise?

Turquoise blue or turquoise green? Well, both! In fact, the color of turquoise varies from luminous light blue to intense green. It all depends on the elements it contains: the bluer, the more copper; the greener, the more chromium and vanadium. The yellow hue is due to the presence of iron.
The dark brown veins that wind through it are due to the presence of other minerals, such as copper and iron, present in the cracks.

Where is turquoise found?

The main deposits are found in Afghanistan, Australia, China, France, Iran, Israel, Mexico, Tanzania and the United States.

What are the virtues of turquoise stone?

In lithotherapy, natural turquoise is renowned as a soothing, calming stone. It enhances empathy and personal fulfillment, and contributes to letting go and communicating with others. It protects the wearer from negative vibes.

Turquoise is linked to the throat chakra. It is said to promote spontaneity, honest and benevolent communication, boost self-confidence, help dispel shyness and encourage creative expression.
Used at the level of the Third Eye, it is said to enhance every meditation.

Please note: our gemstones are not sold for lithotherapy. The effects of stones have not been scientifically proven. Natural stones are not a substitute for medical expertise or treatment.

How do I clean and purify turquoise?

To preserve its properties, turquoise needs to be cleansed and purified to remove impurities and negative energies that have accumulated. There are several rituals for cleansing turquoise: soaking it in a recipeint with water, burying it in the ground or fumigating it with incense.
Once purified, you can recharge it by leaving it overnight under the light of moonbeams. To optimize the process, place it on a quartz cluster or amethyst geode.

How to wear turquoise

In a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings, opt for the cool tones of 925 sterling silver or stainless steel jewelry primers. They blend perfectly with the blue color of the stone. But if you're looking for a jewel with a sunny, luminous spirit, pair your turquoise with gold-colored gold-filled or gold-plated primers.

Which stone to wear with turquoise? Although lithotherapists recommend wearing turquoise alone, you can combine it with gemstones of similar energy, such as labradorite, aquamarine, lapis lazuli or blue agate.