Every month has a special birthstone, and December’s is turquoise. This beautiful gemstone is known for its vibrant colors and rich history. Many cultures believe turquoise brings protection and good luck, making it a meaningful choice for December birthdays. It’s more than just a pretty stone; it’s thought to promote positive energy and emotional balance.
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Turquoise has been important in art and jewelry across different civilizations, from ancient Egyptians to Native Americans. As we look into the stories and qualities of turquoise, we’ll see why it remains a popular choice for personal jewelry and gifts. This gemstone connects people to their history, feelings, and nature, capturing the essence of December.
Turquoise, the December birthstone, has a lot to offer.
History Of Turquoise As A December Birthstone
Turquoise has been around for a long time. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most ancient gemstones in the world.
A more accurate translation of the name “Turkish stone” is “pierre tourques,” which is a French term for this gemstone. According to this translation, the first turquoise gemstones were found in Turkey.
Then again, it didn’t stay in Turkey for too much time. One of the most stunning gems ever discovered was found in tombs dating back to the 4th century BC in Egypt. In these tombs, some of the world’s oldest jewelry has been unearthed, making it a fascinating find.
The Aztec emperor Montezuma II was also a big fan of turquoise. A conquistador from Spain, Hernan Cortes, received this gemstone as a gift because he mistook him for a god who would rule and protect the Aztec empire.
Turquoise has appeared in a number of modern works of art as well. The Persian turquoise jewelry collection of Queen Mary included a tiara, necklace, brooch, and earrings. Finally, Princess Margaret received the Persian turquoise tiara and wore it until her death in 2002, when it was passed down to her.
Turquoise’s Legend
Turquoise is a common theme in the folklore of both Native Americans and ancient Persians. The Apache, for example, had a saying that turquoise arrows and bows would ensure successful hunting.
According to the ancient Persian belief, if you could see the reflection of the new moon on the surface of a turquoise stone, then it would bring you great fortune.
How Turquoise Is Formed
Turquoise is created through a fascinating process that involves water, minerals, and special conditions in the Earth. It usually starts in dry areas where there are rocks rich in copper. When it rains, the water seeps into the ground and interacts with minerals like copper, aluminum, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential for forming turquoise.
Over many years, this mineral-rich water soaks into the rocks and reacts with them, slowly leading to the formation of turquoise. The gemstone grows inside the cracks and cavities of these rocks, giving it its beautiful colors and unique patterns. This natural process can take millions of years, making turquoise a remarkable product of nature.
The bright colors of turquoise, which can range from blue to green, come from the different amounts of copper and iron present during its formation. Each turquoise deposit is special, reflecting the specific minerals and conditions that were involved in creating it. This uniqueness adds to the charm and value of turquoise gemstones.
What Does The Turquoise Birthstone Mean?
“If cold December gave you birth, The month of snow and ice and mirth, Place on your hand a turquoise blue, Success will bless whate’er you do.” -Anonymous
For those born in the month of July, a birthstone that symbolizes a wide range of positive traits is the turquoise. It’s also said to symbolize strength, serenity, and creativity.
For those of us who were born in December, good fortune awaits, as well as the possibility of a second chance at life.
Turquoise’s Healing Properties
Turquoise has been linked to many healing properties throughout history. One of the main beliefs is that it can help with respiratory health. People in ancient cultures thought that turquoise could cure issues like coughs and promote lung health. They also believed it could treat infections and wounds due to its supposed antibacterial qualities.
In terms of emotional well-being, turquoise is often seen as a calming stone. It is believed to help relieve anxiety and stress, creating a sense of peace and calmness for those who wear it. Many cultures also thought that turquoise could help lift spirits and reduce feelings of depression, acting as a protective stone that brings comfort during tough times.
Some people believe that turquoise can improve vision. Wearing or having turquoise nearby is thought to enhance clarity and focus, promoting better eyesight. Additionally, turquoise has a reputation for shielding against negative energy. It is often seen as a protective talisman that wards off harmful influences, creating a barrier of safety for the wearer. Many use turquoise in spiritual practices, believing it can help connect them to higher powers and foster a sense of unity with the universe.
Finally, turquoise symbolizes healing and personal growth. It represents the journey of overcoming challenges and renewing oneself. Many people use turquoise during meditation, as it is thought to clear the mind and promote inner peace.
Traditional Turquoise Gifts
You’re looking for a gift for a loved one whose birthstone is turquoise? It’s a great gift for someone who likes turquoise.
- A celebration of love (whether it’s “just because,” “engaged,” or “anniversary”)
- Wedding anniversaries that fall on the 5th or 11th anniversary
- Reminding those you care about of their good qualities, such as courage or imagination.
Because turquoise is such a inexpensive gemstone, it’s easy to incorporate into both fashion and fine jewelry.
It is becoming increasingly popular to incorporate a birthstone gemstone into an engagement ring setting, so many people do so. They can commemorate their birth month and marriage for the rest of time with this idea!
A turquoise birthstone rings, earrings, bracelet or necklace can be found for any occasion if you know what you’re looking for.
Brilliant Turquoise: What Goes Into It?
Quality, color, and rarity all contribute to the grade of a turquoise gemstone.
- Color
- Texture
- Black, spider-web-like markings known as matrix can be seen on many of these gems.
The most valuable turquoise gemstones are those that are bright blue and uniform in color. “Persian blue” is a term used in the jewelry industry to describe a blue that is both consistent and clear. However, some people prefer a slightly greenish-blue shade of turquoise instead of Persian blue.
Gemstones lose some of their luster when they’re embedded in a matrix. As limonite or sandstone surrounds turquoise in its natural state, iron forms a matrix. The best stones have no dark splotches or webbing at all, making them the most valuable.
Turquoise with dark markings is not worthless because of this. These gemstones are still valuable because of the contrast between the bright blue and dark webbing.
A turquoise gemstone of the highest quality is Robin’s egg blue in color with a smooth texture that does not show signs of matrix.
Personal And Symbolic Meanings
Beyond its physical properties, turquoise carries significant personal and symbolic meanings. It is often seen as a stone of protection, believed to guard against harm, both physically and emotionally. People view turquoise as a talisman that creates a protective shield around them, helping to keep negative influences at bay.
Turquoise is also associated with harmony and balance. It is believed to promote emotional stability, encouraging a peaceful mind and helping individuals maintain balance in their lives. The gemstone is thought to align energies within the body, supporting overall well-being and a sense of calm.
Another important meaning of turquoise is its connection to wisdom and clarity. Many believe that wearing turquoise enhances intuition and helps individuals make better decisions. It is also thought to promote mental clarity and focus, aiding in problem-solving and fostering creativity.
Self-expression is another key aspect of turquoise. The stone encourages creativity and inspires individuals to explore their artistic sides. Many people believe that turquoise enhances communication skills, making it easier to express thoughts and feelings openly.
Turquoise is also seen as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Many cultures regard it as a tool that helps connect individuals with their higher selves. During meditation, turquoise is used to deepen spiritual experiences, promoting a sense of inner peace and enlightenment.
For those born in December, turquoise symbolizes resilience and adaptability. It serves as a reminder of personal strength and courage, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves and face life’s challenges with confidence.
What Makes Turquoise So Special
In contrast to other gemstones, such as diamonds or rubies, turquoise does not sparkle or shine. However, this does not diminish its beauty. Instead, it enhances the unique beauty of this gemstone.
The fact that it is softer than many other well-known gemstones only adds to its appeal. Diamonds have a Mohs hardness scale rating of 10.0, while emeralds and rubies have a 9.0 rating. A 5.0-6.0 rating is not nearly as durable as these other stones, which is why turquoise is not a good choice for jewelry making.
This makes it more prone to nicks and scratches, but it also makes turquoise an excellent carving material. Turquoise is carved into beautiful jewelry, figurines, and other works of art by artists around the world.
Turquoise is a one-of-a-kind gemstone because of its many desirable characteristics.
