December Birthstone: 10 Fun Facts (Turquoise)
Want to learn more about Turquoise. Read on for 10 fun facts about this bold & vibrant gem…
December’s Birthstone: Alongside Tanzanite, Turquoise stands as one of the traditional December birthstones—a perfect gift for a winter baby!
11th Wedding Anniversary: Turquoise marks the celebration of the 11th wedding anniversary.
Bold Colour: Turquoise's colour ranges from sky blue to greenish-blue. Exposure to light, air, and skin oils can alter its hues, creating a personalised patina that narrates the wearer's story. The most prized turquoise exhibits an even, intense, medium blue colour.
Talismanic Properties: Throughout history, warriors adorned themselves with turquoise, attributing its presence to potential shielding from harm and an enhancement of bravery in battle. Beyond its association with courage, this gem has long been heralded as a talisman to invoke calmness, facilitate communication, ward off negativity, bolster emotional equilibrium, amplify intuition, aid in self-discovery, and forge a connection between the mind and the divine.
Turquoise & Egyptians: Ancient civilisations like the Egyptians adored turquoise, using it in their jewellery and believing in its protective qualities. They referred to turquoise as “mefkat,” which translates to “joy” and “delight.”
Native American Significance: Among Native American tribes, turquoise held high value, believed to bring harmony, healing, and spiritual balance. It was frequently used in ceremonial objects and jewellery.
Mine Locations: Renowned turquoise mines exist in the Southwest United States, Iran, and China. Each mine produces turquoise with distinct characteristics, highly sought after by collectors.
Turquoise Carvings: Turquoise is relatively soft and ranking 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. As such, it can and often is carved into beautiful forms and shapes.
Rarity and Value: While turquoise is relatively abundant, high-quality specimens with intense colour and minimal matrix are rare. These command higher prices due to their scarcity and demand among collectors.
Matrix: Turquoise forms in limonite or sandstone, resulting in brown or tan markings called matrix, remnants of the host rock. Though matrix can diminish value, some prefer it for its unique appeal. Spiderweb turquoise, with delicate, web-like dark patterns against the blue gem, is highly sought after. Matrix-free turquoise fetches top prices, while spiderweb matrix closely follows.
Shop our current (available at the time of posting) unique turquoise pieces below…
