The Draw of Turquoise

When you think of turquoise you think of Native Americans, Aztecs, and other South and Central American cultures. Turquoise has been used in many different cultures of both the Old and New Worlds, dating all the way back to 3000 BC where it was found inlaid in Egyptian grave furnishings. For thousands of years this gemstone has been regarded as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman. In some cultures, the sky-blue gemstones were thought to offer protection against unnatural death if worn around the neck or wrist. And if these stones happened to change color, the wearer would speculate and fear an upcoming doom. While turquoise has been found to change color, this is not necessarily a sign of impending danger. Because this is a very porous stone, the color can change when exposed to moisture as well as light, a chemical reaction from cosmetics or the acidity of the skin. 

Turquoise has even been thought to be responsible for the material wellbeing of the wearer. A Persian scholar once wrote “The hand that wears a turquoise and seals with it will never see poverty”. For this reason the stone was used to adorn daggers, sabres, and the bridles of horses. Turquoise did not come to Europe until the time of the crusades, which is where the name ‘turquoise’ originates, meaning ‘Turkish’. The Americas also had a very strong affinity for this gemstone. The Aztecs used this stone to decorate their ceremonial masks which, according to their beliefs, made them holy. North American Indians still adorn their jewelry and decorations with turquoise, as they believe it opens up a connection between the sky and the sea.

Throughout the ages and all over the world, turquoise has been worn as a natural protection against powers of darkness. In earlier times, it was thought to preserve the horse and rider from any unexpected falls. Today, it is the protective stone of pilots, air crews, and other occupational groups who may be exposed to high risks.

Gemstones can be worn as a modern form of therapy. The healing powers of particular stones are thought to aid in the healing of some illnesses. Turquoise is recommended for those suffering from depression. It’s cheerful color is said to enhance reserved and shy personalities with more confidence. The stone is also often given as a gift, a stone of friendship, which is said to be responsible for faithfulness and constancy in relationships. The color of the turquoise gives the wearer the sense of happiness and cheerfulness, for in this stone, the light blue of the sky is combined with the stimulating green of the sea.