Turquoise is a rare and valuable blue-to-green opaque mineral and is considered one of the world’s most ancient gemstones. From adorning cathedrals and kings to present-day celebrities, the gemstone has been a status symbol of wealth, health, protection, and status. Undoubtedly, turquoise is a very attractive semi-precious stone, with a broad range of blues and greens hues.
Turquoise is formed by a chemical reaction that occurs when water (typically snow or rain) trickles through cracks and fissures in a specific type of rock called copper porphyry. The gemstone’s color differs according to the mineral present in the water: if the water contains copper, it will give the gemstone the recognizable blue coloring. However, if the water has iron or zinc, the final mineral will have green or yellow hues, accordingly.
This precious gemstone has made appearances throughout human history, from antiquity to modern times including Egyptian, Chinese, Persian, and Native American history. The gemstone has had various names throughout history, including “chalchihuitl” from the Aztecs and “callais” by the early Roman Empire. Its current name, “turquoise,” derives from the French word “turquois”, meaning “Turkish.” Its name reflects the fact that the gemstone spread throughout Europe and beyond from a Turkish source.
Egypt
Turquoise has had a recurring appearance throughout human history. Archeological excavations found that rulers of ancient Egypt used turquoise to adorn jewelry throughout their ruling, often using the gemstone in gold necklaces and rings, and carved into scarabs (a symbol of renewal and rebirth). Egyptian tombs also contain elaborate turquoise jewelry, dating back up to 3000 BCE. One of the most famous pieces of embellishments adorned with turquoise is King Tut’s burial mask.
Persia and Iran
Persians also used turquoise as embellishments. Early Persians believed turquoise represented the heavens due to the deep blue color. Persians used the precious stone to cover the domes of palaces and places of worship. They believed that when worn around the neck or wrist, the gemstone would protect against unnatural death. They also adorned their daggers, since their name for the gemstone – “pirouzeh” – meant “victory.”
It has also been shown that most of the turquoise used in the ancient world came from the Turks, Persians, and Mongols for trade across the Silk Road. Turquoise played an important role in the protection of the citizens of Persia as they traveled across the Silk Road, and this led Persians to believe that the gemstone was the earthly connection to the heavens.
Iran was – and still is – responsible for a good part of the mining for the precious gemstone. The precious stone was found in the mines of Persia – currently known as Iran. For thousands of years, turquoise gemstones found in Iranian soil have been considered the most sophisticated and recognized jewelry in the world.
Other regions within Europe
Turquoise also has had an appearance in other cultures and regions. The ancient Greeks and Romans dabbled with the gemstone by carving turquoise on rings, pendants, and carved beads. In the Middle Ages, the precious stone became more important in decorating the covers of manuscripts. Turquoise also became very popular during the Renaissance by wearing it in men’s rings.
Native American culture
This rare gemstone also has a crucial presence in the Native American culture. Traditional Native Americas, such as Aztecs and Mayas, used turquoise to seek good fortune and health. The ancient tribes mined, traded, and created numerous types of turquoise jewelry.
The gemstone is known to be mined around 200 BCE in North America by the Hohokam and Anasazi people. They would mine where now we call New Mexico and Arizona and craft detailed jewelry to be worn by those who seek strength. Even if tribes disappeared, the gemstone continued to appear throughout time – from the Anasazi to the pueblos of Santo Domingo, the precious stone was there to embellish rituals and provide a source of strength for those who use it.
Turquoise was present in most ceremonies, prayers, and healing rituals – due to its changing-color ability, tribes would often consider the gemstone to be sacred. Tribes also thought that the precious stone might bring invincibility, making them attach pieces to their bows to be precise and indestructible warriors.
Navajo
The Navajo is one of the tribes to have the most distinct jeweling styles and ideas associated with turquoise. The original Native American silversmith learned how to work with silver and iron from Mexicans and later on introduced turquoise to its crafts. The Navajos quickly became known for their turquoise jewelry craft, including necklaces, inlay rings, and other embellishments. The gemstone also became a part of their culture and tales.
One of the most famous legends involving turquoise is the mythical Changing Woman, or Turquoise Woman. This deity symbolizes creation and prosperity, and she is associated with the rare gemstone. Due to the gemstone’s blue and green color, turquoise was also a way for the tribe to connect with the natural elements of the world – sky, water, and earth.
Zuni
The Zuni tribe is also known for having a close connection with the precious gemstone. This tribe associated turquoise with earthly elements, linking the blue stone to the male figure and the sky and the green stone to the female figure and the earth. The Zuni tribe differed from the Navajo in the most common use of the stone – the Zuni focused on carving the stones to make them suitable for jewelry adorned with mosaics.
Turquoise in the 21st century
Turquoise has been found all over the United States, but the Southwest area of the country was (and some places still are) very rich with turquoise. There were mines in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. Currently, several turquoise mines have had their Turquoise depleted – thanks to its never-ending popularity. However, Arizona is the most important producer of turquoise my value. Nevada follows behind, with more than 120 mines that have brought significant qualities of turquoise.
With a limited quantity throughout the world, the gemstone becomes rarer by the second – bringing a new status of wealth for those who possess it. Turquoise is now found mostly in jewelry and ornamental objects. The price of a genuine gemstone can range from $0.05 to $1000 per carat, depending on the quality and the mine it was extracted from. The Turquoise Quality Index (TQI) was a system created to help gemologists evaluate and determine a gemstone’s worth. The higher the TQI number, the better quality.
Because of its overwhelming beauty, diversity in color, variances in matrix, turquoise has held a very visible presence in the world’s history. From 3000 BCE to the 21st century, humans have displayed their status of wealth or power with this precious stone, wore it for protection and adorned masks and other important material objects. It has been so embedded within our history that archeologists can study and understand part of our ancestors by understanding their jewelry and association with the precious stone.