Turquoise Gemstone Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Turquoise Gemstone Facts and History
The eye-catching color of the Turquoise Gemstone has been coveted since ancient times. Turquoise is a mineral made of hydrous copper aluminum phosphate and occurs when acidic water comes in contact with water. The chemical reaction transforms the mineral into a beautiful bright blue-to-green color that may have matrixes from limonite or sandstones. This eye-catching appearance prompts the Turquoise Gemstone to be the first and only gemstone to have a color named after it.
The Turquoise Gemstone has been mined since the beginning of history where it was and still is a coveted gemstone to this day. The oldest Turquoise Gemstones were dated to be from 6,000 BCE. The oldest Turquoise mine on record was in the Sinai Peninsula of Ancient Egypt.
The reverence for Turquoise spans across millennia and different cultures. From the Aztects to the Persians, this opaque light blue gemstone was given significant, if not divine importance.
It was valued by royalty, religious leaders, and artisans and used to create many items important in antiquity. The death mask of King Tutankhamun was inlaid with Turquoise along with other valuable gemstones.
Ancient Chinese artisans loved to use Turquoise for carvings, and it is the national gem of Tibet. Native tribes in ancient America highly valued Turquoise for trade.
The name Turquoise came from the Old French turquois. It is the name believed to be given because the gem was introduced by the Turks from the Ottoman Empire. Trade of the gemstone was highly lucrative along the Silk Road during the 13th century.
The Aztec name for Turquoise is chalchihuitl, the Egyptians’ mefkat, meaning “joy” or “delight”, and the Persians’ pirouzeh, meaning “victory”.
Turquoise mines are only found in arid places. Most of the ancient mines still produce Turquoise but are depleted. Some Turquoise stones are found as byproducts in copper mines.
Today, Turquoise is abundantly mined in the USA, Sinai, and Iran. Minor sources of Turquoise are China, Australia, Chile, Russia, Afghanistan, and India.
The Turquoise Gemstone is still highly sought-after today. The robin egg blue or sky blue color Turquoise found in the historic mining site in Iran posed as the standard of high-quality Turquoise.
The gemstone’s popularity caused a lot of imitations as well as the use of treated low-quality stones sold in the market.
The Turquoise Gemstone has a Mohs scale rating of 6, making it just slightly harder than window glass and a beautiful choice for artisans to work with.
Lastly, Turquoise changes color when exposed for long periods to light, heat, or other chemicals like cosmetics.
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Turquoise Gemstone Uses
The Turquoise Gemstone has a long history of use. Since antiquity, Turquoise has been fashioned into jewelry, amulets, and fashion statements by different civilizations.
Its light blue to green color makes it a popular gem for artisans to mold. Many carvings and objects made out of Turquoise have been discovered in ancient sites and burial tombs around the world.
The Turquoise Gemstone is also used as works of art, as inlays in different items including jewelry and weapons, and in mosaics.
Native Americans used Turquoise items and beads as currency for trade. Many cultures like the Aztecs used Turquoise as talismans for protection and religious ceremonies.
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Turquoise Gemstone Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
Since antiquity, Turquoise Gemstones have been used for spiritual and physical healing. It is also believed to be a powerful protection stone against negative energy or anything that can cause harm.
This sky-blue stone is also believed to bring good luck for millennia and it ultimately became a symbol of hope for many cultures.
The Turquoise Gemstone is the ideal stone for calmness and meditation. As a grounding stone, Turquoise can ease the mind whenever it feels overwhelmed. It also balances emotions, especially in turbulent times.
It is believed that the gemstone strengthens intuition, logic, creativity, and the connection to the spiritual world.
The Turquoise Gemstone is linked to the throat chakra. This increases communication skills with the outer world and makes people more receptive to love and forgiveness from others and themselves.
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Turquoise Gemstone Symbolism of Different Shapes and Forms
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise are Turquoise Gemstones mined in the Sleeping Beauty Mountain of Globe, Arizona. The mountain was named as such because it takes the shape of a sleeping woman. Turquoise found there are some of the most rare and expensive, valued for their deep blue Turquoise color.
Kingman Turquoise is also mined in Arizona. Evidence shows that it is an ancient mining spot for Native Americans looking for valuable sky-blue to green stones. Turquoise mined there displays gorgeous matrixes of white and black and is a highly sought-after variety.
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Turquoise Gemstone Symbolism in Different Cultures
In Tibet, Turquoise is referred to as a sky stone because they believe the stone came from divine heaven. The Tibetans associate the stone with protection, fortune, and good health.
The Aztecs revered the stone for its protective prowess, using it for religious ceremonies. It is also associated with fire and smoke.
Turquoise is considered a sacred stone by Native American tribes such as the Zuni and Pueblo people. Likewise the Apache and Navajo also believed the Turquoise Gemstone to provide accurate aim when attached to their bows.
In ancient Egypt, Turquoise represents wealth, royalty, and divinity. Cleopatra reportedly has a collection of Turquoise Gemstones.
The Egyptian goddess of beauty and motherhood, Hathor, is said to be associated with Turquoise, having mines in the Sinai peninsula dedicated to the goddess.
The Persians associate Turquoise Gemstones with heaven and protection, especially during battle.
In England, Turquoise jewelry is a symbol of everlasting love, meant for women to give to their partner.
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Turquoise Gemstone in Combination with other Gems
The Citrine and Turquoise combination is highly beneficial to those who wish to attract success, luck, and wisdom. Both are great stones for self-love and manifestation.
Amethyst and Turquoise Gemstones are great for those who are embarking on a new project or want to increase their productivity. This combination also enhances happiness and fulfillment.
The Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise Gemstone combination amplifies balance. They create a harmonious atmosphere and strengthen relationships.
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Turquoise Gemstone Birthstone and Zodiac Sign
The Turquoise Gemstone is one of the traditional birthstones for the month of December. It is also a gemstone associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius. The gemstone enhances Sagittarius’ natural optimism and curiosity. Turquoise also balances Sagittarius’ bluntness with better communication skills.
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Turquoise Gemstone in Dreams
When a dream features a Turquoise Gemstone, this could mean that the dreamer is ready for a new beginning, need to be open to new things, or may be currently in need of compassion and understanding.
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Turquoise Gemstone Omens and Superstitions
According to superstition, when Turquoise changes color, it is a predictor of waning health, death, or impending danger.
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Turquoise Gemstone Mythology and Folklore
The Aztec god of fire was Xiuhtecuhtli, called the Lord of Turquoise. He was said to dwell inside a Turquoise enclosure in the middle of the earth and was always depicted with Turquoise adornments.
