Turquoise: December's Stunning Birthstone
Known for its captivating shades of blue and green, turquoise has been a symbol of protection, wisdom, and tranquility for centuries. This beloved gemstone, often associated with vibrant skies and tranquil waters, is steeped in history and cultural significance. Perfect for custom jewelry, turquoise offers a unique blend of natural beauty and heartfelt meaning, making it a standout choice for December birthdays and beyond.
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What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is a captivating gemstone prized for its vivid blue to green hues and smooth surface. This opaque stone has been cherished for centuries, with historical significance in cultures like Ancient Egypt and Native America. Turquoise forms in arid regions through the interaction of water, aluminum, and copper minerals. On the Mohs scale of hardness, turquoise ranges from 5 to 6, making it relatively soft and requiring care in daily wear.
Why Choose It for Your Custom Design?
- Striking and Unique Appearance: Its vibrant colors and often intricate matrix patterns make turquoise a standout gemstone.
- Symbolic and Historical Appeal: Turquoise is believed to symbolize protection, tranquility, and good fortune.
- Affordability and Variety: Compared to other gemstones, turquoise offers beauty at a more accessible price point.
- Zodiac Associations: Turquoise is associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Pisces. It is believed to amplify the strengths of these signs, such as optimism and intuition for Sagittarius, emotional depth for Scorpio, and creativity for Pisces.
What to Consider When Purchasing
There are some important factors to consider when selecting Turqiouse:
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Color: Turquoise comes in a spectrum of hues, from the bright, vibrant sky blue associated with high-quality stones like those from Sleeping Beauty mines, to softer robin’s egg blues and greenish tones found in stones from various other regions. When selecting turquoise, consider both the uniformity of the color and any natural variations that catch your eye. While even coloration is prized in jewelry, unique patterns and tonal shifts can add depth and charm to a piece.
• Matrix Patterns: Some turquoise contains intricate, web-like veins or blotches known as matrices, which are remnants of the host rock in which the turquoise formed. These can range in color from golden brown to black and create striking patterns that make each stone one-of-a-kind. While some people prefer turquoise without a matrix for a cleaner look, others are drawn to the character and uniqueness the matrix brings. Consider whether the patterns enhance the design you envision for your jewelry.
• Stabilization: Because turquoise is a naturally porous stone, it is often treated to improve its durability and enhance its color. Stabilized turquoise, where a clear resin is infused into the stone, is more resilient and less prone to fading or damage. Untreated, natural turquoise may appeal to collectors for its rarity but requires extra care. Always confirm with your seller whether the stone has been stabilized, dyed, or otherwise treated, as this impacts its value and longevity.
• Durability and Care: Turquoise has a moderate hardness (5–6 on the Mohs scale), making it durable enough for everyday wear but still susceptible to scratches, chips, or discoloration. To maintain its beauty, avoid exposing the stone to household chemicals, lotions, perfumes, or prolonged sunlight, as these can alter its finish. When not in use, store turquoise jewelry separately in a soft cloth or pouch to prevent it from scratching against harder materials.
• Authenticity: Natural, untreated turquoise is significantly more valuable and sought after than reconstituted or dyed imitations. Imitation turquoise may be made from plastics, resins, or compressed materials with added pigments, which can look convincing but lack the unique qualities of genuine turquoise. To ensure authenticity, purchase from reputable sellers who can provide certification or documentation of the gemstone’s origin. If in doubt, ask about its provenance and testing to confirm it’s a true natural stone.
Interesting Facts
- Indigenous cultures of the Midwest and Southwest America, particularly the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni peoples, hold turquoise as a sacred stone symbolizing protection, health, and connection to the spiritual world. It has been used in ceremonial practices, amulets, and intricate jewelry for centuries.
- Turquoise has been mined for over 3,000 years, with some of the earliest sources located in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
- It was used as a talisman by ancient cultures to ward off harm and attract good fortune.
- The gemstone’s name originates from the French term pierre turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," as it was initially traded through Turkey.
Our Recommendation for Turquoise in Custom Jewelry Designs
- Distinct and Unique Appearance: Turquoise’s vibrant blue-to-green hues and often intricate matrix patterns are unlike any other gemstone, offering a distinctive look and feel to your jewelry. Its long history of use in ancient cultures, from Egyptian royalty to Indigenous traditions, adds a layer of charm and charisma to the stone that connects it to human history.
- Prone to Wear and Tear: With a Mohs hardness of 5–6, turquoise is softer than many gemstones and more susceptible to scratches and chipping, making it less ideal for everyday wear. Turquoise needs delicate handling to maintain its beauty, as it is sensitive to oils, chemicals, and impact. The dark, natural veining in some turquoise, known as matrices, may be an acquired taste, appealing to some while deterring others.
Turquoise is a breathtaking and historically rich gemstone that adds unique character to statement jewelry pieces. Still, its softness and care requirements make it better suited for special care and occasional wear.
We suggest Aquamarine which is a more durable blue stone with a transparent finish.
Lapis Lazuli is a great alternative known for its deep blue color and gold flecks, offering a different but equally bold aesthetic. Chrysocolla has a similar in color to turquoise but often with unique swirls and patterns.
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We believe love knows no bounds, limitations, or exceptions. It is all inclusive, and so are we. Here at Kris Averi, we are committed to standing behind all love, always.
We look forward to helping you make your dreams come true.
