Examples of turquoise jewelry have been found that date back to ancient Egyptian times. The famous burial mask of Tutankhamen as adorned with turquoise and there were many other pieces of turquoise jewelry found in his tomb. There have also been numerous pieces of Aztec turquoise jewelry that have been discovered. These ancient cultures appreciated the beauty of this blue-green mineral. Throughout history, other cultures produced turquoise jewelry and other items that incorporated turquoise. The native Indians of America have made use of this gem throughout the centuries it is still considered an essential part of their colorful heritage.
Turquoise jewelry is a wonderful gift for anyone, but it is especially appropriate for anyone born in December. This is because the gemstone for December is traditionally turquoise. It is an extremely versatile mineral and can be set into silver earrings or elaborate 24-carat gold necklaces. There are different grades of turquoise and it is possible to buy a piece of turquoise jewelry for only a few dollars. Of course, the value of a piece of turquoise jewelry depends on the quality of the stone used, the amount and also the value of any other stones that are in the piece.
As turquoise is not a naturally hard mineral. This does make it easier for the gem to be cut to fit any type of turquoise jewelry. A hardening process is used to help protect the mineral once it has been cut to the desired shape and size. The most expensive forms of turquoise are those that require the least amount of hardening treatments. This does, however make it more difficult to use them to form turquoise jewelry, as it is easier for it to break. The lower grades of turquoise require a lot of hardening and waxing before they can become pieces of turquoise jewelry and are less sought after. The color of the turquoise also has an impact on its value. If a piece of turquoise jewelry comprises a piece of sky blue turquoise then its value is going to be far higher than a piece that utilizes greenish-blue and speckled turquoise.
Due to the fragility of turquoise, special care needs to be taken when wearing a piece of turquoise jewelry. It is also extremely vulnerable to damage from solvents as it is a phosphate mineral. Special care needs to be taken to avoid any turquoise jewelry coming into contact with perfume, skin oils and chemical cleaning fluids. All of these can cause deterioration of the color and shine of the turquoise. Perfume, cosmetics, sunscreen, and hairspray need to be applied before you put on a piece of turquoise jewelry to lessen the potential damage that may be caused to the gemstone. Direct sunlight can have an extremely detrimental effect on turquoise as it causes it to fade and dry out which makes it more brittle and easier to break. Always clean turquoise jewelry with a soft cloth to remove any build-up and store in a separate box from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
These magnificent stones are some of the most popular in the world. Though most stones used in jewelry have been treated to enhance their appearance and durability, this does not take away from their value and beauty. The value of these is measured by the depth of color and often by the appearance of crystal streaks and specks that highlight many stones. Turquoise has long been manufactured synthetically so buyers must be wary of stones that are offered at a budget price. Several naturally occurring minerals are also used as substitutes for turquoise including amazonite, hemamorphite, howlite and magnesite.
History
Derived from the French word to Turkish, turquoise can be found in many parts of the world. Ancient and indigenous cultures have long considered these stones to be very powerful and highly prized. Turquoise can be found in abundance in areas of the American Southwest, the Middle East, Australia and areas of South America.
Birthstone Information
This stone has long been recognized as the birthstone of the month of December and has been associated with the astrological birth sign of Taurus.
New Age Beliefs and Powers Through The Ages
For centuries, turquoise has been an important part of mythology and metaphysical belief systems the world over. Ancient and modern cultures have held this stone in high regard as a symbol of power and spirituality. From Native American cultures to the Persians and indigenous people of South America, these stones have represented both good and bad fortune. For example, in certain Middle Eastern cultures changes in the stones color, which is often brought on by the transfer of body heat or skin oils to the stone have been thought to be an omen or precursor of sudden death. Most cultures have ascribed good fortune and healing properties to turquoise. In Native American cultures the stone are thought to represent a strong connection between earth and the heavens.
Likewise in the New Age Community, the stone is thought to have the ability to cleanse and purify the mind, body and the spirit, while others follow more closely the belief that the stone can be a predictor of bad luck and infidelity.
Artificial Forms of Enhancement
This is a wide variety of methods that are used to enhance the appearance and durability of this stone. Oiling is a very common practice and helps to deepen the color. Similar changes in color are achieve through the application of wax or plastic compounds that also help to fill in surface imperfections and make the stone a bit stronger.
Color
The color of these stones is derived from copper mineral content and varies in shades of green, light blue or pale green. The color of some stones resembles the blue of robin eggs, and is probably the most desirable. Stones containing higher amounts of iron may have a greener contrast. The base color is sometimes highlighted by the presence of crystal streaking.
General Scientific Information
The chemical name CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8*5(H2O) known as hydrated copper aluminum phosphate
Hardness measures between 5.5 and 6.0 on the Mohs scale - the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.
The cleavage of turquoise is perfect. The index of refraction ranges between 1.59 and 1.65 and generally indicates the purity of the stone. The specific gravity measures between 2.40 and 2.90. The crystalline system is Triclinic.
Both Roy Dietelzieg & Mitch Endick are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Roy Dietelzieg has sinced written about articles on various topics from Engagement Rings, Wedding Bells and Engagement Rings. Roy Dietelzieg worked in the jewelry industry for 10 years and has been writing about his reflections on jewelry philosophy. Read Roy's articles about buying tips for