Turquoise

Semi-Precious · Phosphate Mineral

The ancient sky stone — protection, wisdom and the bridge between earth and heaven.

• Protection
• Wisdom
• Truth
• Healing
• Friendship
• Sky

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in human history, used for over 7,000 years. A hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium, its blue-green colour comes from copper. Ancient Egyptians mined it in the Sinai Peninsula for their pharaohs — Tutankhamun's golden death mask is inlaid with turquoise. The name comes from French 'pierre turquoise' — 'Turkish stone' — because it reached Europe via Turkey.

Healing

Depression, Anxiety, Communication, Immune System, Emotional Exhaustion

Everyday uses

One of the oldest known gemstones — turquoise has been found in Egyptian burial chambers dating to 3000 BCE. Native American cultures (Navajo, Pueblo, Hopi, Zuni) have used turquoise in sacred jewellery and ceremonies for millennia. Used in the mosaics on Aztec sacred masks and objects now in the British Museum. Persian architecture used turquoise tiles extensively — the Blue Mosque in Tabriz is a famous example. Turquoise is the December birthstone.

Spiritual meaning

Turquoise is one of humanity's oldest healing stones — a bridge between earth and sky, body and spirit. It is a master healer of the whole person, strengthening the body while calming the mind and elevating the spirit. It activates the throat chakra for authentic communication and provides powerful protection for travellers and those in vulnerable emotional states.

Formation

Turquoise forms in arid regions through the interaction of copper-rich groundwater with aluminium-bearing rocks containing phosphate. It fills cracks and cavities in the host rock, forming veins and nodules. The characteristic matrix (dark veining) is the host rock included in the turquoise — each matrix pattern is completely unique.

Where it is found

The finest turquoise historically came from Iran (Persian turquoise — intensely sky blue with no matrix) and the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The USA (Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado) produces high-quality turquoise including the famous Sleeping Beauty turquoise. China, Mexico, Chile, and Afghanistan are also significant sources.

Zodiac

Sagittarius, Scorpio, Pisces, Aquarius

Chinese element

Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Snake