Historical and Spiritual Facts about Turquoise

When you look at that sterling silver turquoise pendant on your necklace, think about the fact that the history of that stone began around forty million years ago! It's hard not to be a bit overwhelmed! All those millennia ago, water flowed through and on bedrock that was rich in copper and aluminum and gradually dissolved salts of these compounds. This copper and aluminum-rich water collected in cavities within cavities and cracks in the bedrock, and gradually evaporated away, leaving behind a bluish residue. Then, under severe heat and pressure caused by geological processes, the salts hardened to form turquoise. The strength and hardness of natural turquoise depends on the degree of silicification that the salts underwent during their formative years. This is the process by which silica got mixed with the salts and under intense heat and pressure, fused into the copper and aluminum phosphates, in effect binding them together. Salt deposits that underwent a more intense process of silicification formed turquoise that was hard and resilient. On the other hand, most of the copper and aluminum deposits did not undergo adequate silicification, and as a result, most of the turquoise found in nature today needs to be stabilized before it can be used in jewelry.



After its formation tens of millions of years ago, turquoise remained hidden from man until about six thousand years ago when people quite by accident, came upon this opaque blue stone in the Sinai. They used the stone to make jewelry and to adorn their tombs and temples. Centuries later, the Persians discovered turquoise on their lands and helped spread its popularity. Turkey brought this stone to civilizations in Europe and soon the entire world had access to turquoise. The North American story of turquoise began about one thousand years ago when native tribes found turquoise in Cerrillos in New Mexico. Today, turquoise is found in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Colorado.



In addition to its beauty, turquoise has also gained popularity with those who seek the beneficial properties of crystals and minerals. While ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Aztecs and Incas always believed in the spiritual aspects of this stone, believers in metaphysics and New Age followers have sought to spread the word on the positive impacts of this stone. They claim that turquoise can help a person learn more about themselves, and understand themselves better. It brings about harmony and improves self confidence. When added to a white pearl necklace, the calming effect of the pearls and turquoise work together to create a stronger impact that each individual gem.