Turquoise is a stone of sky blue and green-blue colors. One of the oldest minerals used in jewelry and finishing art. WITH French The name is translated as “Turkish stone”, and from Persian – as “stone of happiness”.

Turquoise – natural mineral. The main colors of the stone are green, blue, bluish blue, and sea green. Often found with small brown or white patches.

Characteristic properties of the mineral:

• opacity;
• waxy shine;
• slight hardness;
• porosity;
• The color of the powder is white;
• dissolves in hydrochloric acid.

History of the mineral

The history of human use of turquoise goes back more than five thousand years. It was used by Egyptian pharaohs, Arab sheikhs, North American Indians, Russian princes and other peoples. The stone came to Europe straight from Iran along the Silk Road, which passed through Turkey, which is why the French called this stone Turkish.

The appearance of turquoise is associated with hydrothermal processes occurring in the earth's crust. Ancient deposits are located in Egypt, Central Asian countries, and Iran. More modern sources are located in North America, Australia, Mexico, but the most valuable mineral is still considered to be the one brought from Iran - where the gem is mined by hand.

Medicinal properties

Turquoise framed in silver is recommended to be worn by those who suffer from insomnia, nightmares and anxiety. Turquoise in gold strengthens immune system body. The mineral also helps with diseases of the liver, heart, lungs, thyroid gland and stomach.

Other health benefits of turquoise include:

• improves vision;
• helps with migraine pain, colds;
• promotes skin rejuvenation and regeneration;
• heals and strengthens vocal cords;
• stops bleeding;
• helps with stomach ulcers and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Turquoise gives its owner a “signal” about a developing disease - it begins to fade and darken, changing its hue to green. This happens because the stone reacts very sensitively to humidity, the release of fats and increased temperature that occur in the human body during illness. This is a sure sign that a person urgently needs to see a doctor.

It is believed that bright blue turquoise has the greatest healing effect, but the green mineral has weak healing energy.

Magic properties

In all countries, turquoise is considered a stone that attracts happiness and prosperity. Its magical properties are:

• brings peace to the family - increases the owner’s attractiveness to the opposite sex, prevents quarrels and conflicts between spouses, attracts friends;
• enhances intuitive abilities;
• attracts cash in the hands of the owner, brings prosperity to the house;
• endows the wearer with courage, determination, endurance, insight;
• helps to concentrate, so is good for those who study science;
• protects against negative events, accidents and disasters;
• helps to achieve great heights in oratory;
• dulls anger, anger and all negative emotions, in return bringing calm and focus on things dear to the heart;
• brings success and good luck, making the owner practically invincible.

In addition to its ability to attract love, turquoise helps heal broken hearts, and also enhances feminine attractiveness in the eyes of men. Therefore, the stone has been considered a feminine stone since ancient times.

Indian yogis believe that the mineral nourishes a person positive energy. When the stone turns green, this indicates that its “battery” has run out.

Meaning of zodiac signs

Turquoise is the astrological stone of many zodiac signs. The mineral enhances leadership qualities Scorpios, helps to achieve success in business and successfully combine career and family happiness.

Streltsov the gem protects from accidents, adds a little harmony to their hectic life, and also dispels anxious thoughts and adds sensitivity and sophistication.

Aquarius imparts worldly wisdom, sedateness, and the ability to stand on one’s feet. From women he creates real custodians of the home. Helps attract friends and mutual love.

Dual Twins with such a talisman they will gain unity with their inner self and the ability to accept right decisions. Also, for representatives of this sign, turquoise is the guardian of love and fidelity to their partner.

Aries the mineral can save from death and prevent mortal danger, as well as impart courage and insight.

Green turquoise will be for Taurus protection from envious people, troubles and blows of fate. The gem preserves youth and helps sharpen the thirst for knowledge in representatives of this sign.

Virgos You should wear turquoise with caution, because the stone can cause a surge of uncontrollable emotions in the sign, but when traveling it will protect the owner from troubles of any kind.

Cancers and Leos The stone helps to achieve peace in the family, make new friends, and also forget and let go of the past. For these signs, turquoise is good option for a family amulet that can be passed down from generation to generation through the female line.

Libra the mineral gives confidence and determination, and also provokes pleasant changes in life.

Pisces will help “remove” unnecessary thoughts and emotions from life, but in general the stone is neutral for this sign.

Capricorns the gem will give peace and balance, mental satisfaction, help drive away bad thoughts and attract pleasant dreams.

How to distinguish a real stone from a fake

To distinguish a real stone from a fake, you need to perform some simple steps:

• scratch the surface with a needle - if the paint begins to crack and crumble, then it is a fake. A natural stone remains blue to the very depths;
• wipe with alcohol - if there are traces of paint left on the cotton wool, then this is an imitation;
• hold over the fire - the fake will melt with unpleasant smell. Real stone It can crack due to overheating, so the test should be carried out carefully, holding the mineral over the fire for a short time.

If this is a decoration, then you can take a closer look at the holes for the thread - if white color is visible, then it is a fake.

Talismans and amulets

Turquoise has long been a protective stone for children and adolescents, as well as those adults who work with them - teachers, educators, pediatricians, obstetricians. The mineral is also an amulet for those who are engaged in intellectual activity.

Turquoise protects travelers and researchers from dangers and robbers on the way, shows the necessary course, helps to achieve desired results. Since ancient times, shooters attached a small stone to their weapons - it was believed that this would help hit the target.

Turquoise is also a talisman of love and family happiness, which helps to find love and keep it.

Products with stone, the color of which is associated with the sky and sea, can be found on the counter of any jewelry store or fairs. It was he who began to be included in the first jewelry and inlays that people began to make, but even in our time, at the peak of technology development, it enjoys the same popularity. Among the many varieties of this mineral, there are no ugly ones. We are talking about turquoise.

Technical characteristics of turquoise

The mineral consists of copper and aluminum phosphates, sometimes with iron impurities. The composition determines what the stone looks like: Turquoise comes in shades ranging from creamy white to blue and green. In nature, it is formed during weathering when copper-bearing surface solutions act on rocks containing alumina and phosphorus. It has a waxy sheen and often has a dark reticulate pattern on the surface, associated with a spider's web: it is formed by veins of manganese, slate and iron oxides. The origin and structure of turquoise influence the properties of the stone: it is very fragile and soft, has a conchoidal fracture (the name comes from its resemblance to a mollusk shell), and when heated, it begins to turn brown and become covered with cracks. By these signs you can distinguish natural turquoise from a fake stone.

Technical properties of turquoise
Chemical composition:	CuAl6(OH)2 4H2O
Syngony:	triclinic
Color in daylight:	blue, blue, blue-green, green, with dark splashes
Color under artificial light:	does not change
	wax
Hardness index:
Trait Color:
Transparency level:	opaque, translucent
Density indicator:	2.6-2.8 g/cm³
Refraction value:
Cleavage:	perfect/imperfect
	conchoidal, uneven

In the parent rock, the mineral is found in the form of a dense mass, veins, crusts, small round inclusions or tuberculate cluster-like formations. There are quite a lot of turquoise deposits. The highest quality, “Persian” or “Iranian”, is mined in modern Iran, the Nishapur region near Mashhad, the capital of the Khorasan province.

One of the largest modern producers of natural turquoise is the USA. The states of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada are especially rich in this gem. Small amounts are mined in Australia, Argentina, Afghanistan, northern India, China, Saxony, Silesia, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and northern Chile. In addition, it is mined as a by-product of copper mining. Stones of different origins differ from each other: for example, the Persian sample is 0.15 denser than the American one. American or Mexican turquoise is most often a pale blue with hints of green. Egyptian - from greenish-blue to yellowish-green.

History of turquoise

We can say that turquoise accompanies people throughout the entire history of human existence. The earliest civilizations: Egyptian, Sumerian, Chinese, Persian and Indian - were very familiar with this stone and had the processing skills to make jewelry from it. It was an attribute of the goddess of love and beauty Hathor. In Central Asia, it was considered an amulet for horses and, therefore, riders: it was argued that with such a talisman the rider would never fall out of the saddle, and his horse would be obedient and tireless. The ancient Aztecs believed that blue stones the tears of the heavenly goddess turn into tears, and the Navajo Indians worshiped the goddess Ahsonnutli, whose name translates as “turquoise woman.”

Turquoise is very popular among followers of Islam. According to old customs, the bride and groom exchanged rings cut from turquoise, since religion prohibits Muslim men from wearing gold jewelry. There is a belief that it is found among the bones of those who truly loved, and therefore such a wedding ring will be a good amulet for a newlywed couple.

It is known from the history of the stone that the name “turquoise” first appeared in the 13th century and most likely goes back to the Persian “firuza”, which means “stone of happiness”, or “pi-ruz” - “bringing good luck in business, winning victory” , which is a reference to the Eastern belief, according to which it is capable of granting victory in a fight: that is why it is often found on the handles of edged weapons.

In antiquity, the mineral was called “callais”, and in Europe the name “turquoise” took root, which comes from the French “Turkish stone”. However, it was imported not from Turkey, but from Khorasan, a historical province of Iran, where deposits are being developed to this day. From there the stone arrived in Europe along the Great Silk Road along with other rarities: spices and expensive fabrics.

Types of turquoise: what white, blue and green stones look like

Turquoise is divided into varieties based on certain characteristics. For a jewelry connoisseur, the origin and color palette of the material matter. Depending on the color of the stone, turquoise is divided into young, mature and old, or dead.

The color of the young is weakly saturated, ranging from a creamy shade of the stone (the so-called white turquoise) to pale blue. Mature turquoise is a bright blue stone, sometimes this deep, rich shade is called “royal blue.” However, it should be remembered that bright blue callais does not exist in nature: if you come across a product with an insert of this color, it is either a fake or artificial coloring. Dead turquoise is a green stone; it acquires this shade due to the long-term interaction of the copper salts it contains with the environment. This process can also occur in already treated stone, which is why its color may change over time.

The origin of turquoise also affects the characteristics of the stone. The term “natural” means that the piece has not been subjected to any processing other than polishing and cutting. Of course, for a jeweler to use it in its original form, the stone must be highest quality. The porous structure makes it light, and therefore the frame can be made elegant and thin without fear. This is one of the rarest and most expensive types of turquoise. Only precious turquoise, a blue translucent stone, is valued higher. It is used in jewelry making natural form, in the form of plates or crumbs. No more than 10% of the total specimens are considered precious. Fortified is also considered natural, but much cheaper than natural. Due to its greater porosity, it is softer and more fragile, which is why it cannot be cut without the risk of damaging and ruining the specimen. Craftsmen additionally strengthen the stone by treating it with special colorless compounds of natural (oils, wax) or artificial (paraffin, epoxy resin) origin. They fill the pores, the material becomes heavier, stronger and harder, but the color remains unchanged - moreover, it will not fade over time, which can happen with untreated stone, which requires careful wear. An improved version of fortified turquoise is called ennobled. Such a specimen is not only cemented, but also tinted; the initially faded shade deepens and appears brighter. This procedure also has a beneficial effect on the characteristics of turquoise, strengthening and smoothing the surface of the mineral.

How much does natural turquoise cost: the price of the stone on the jewelry market

The most inexpensive jewelry is usually created from pressed material. It is not fake or synthetic - after all, they use natural chips, for example, left over from the processing of high-quality samples or from low-grade stones ground into powder. The raw materials are mixed with adhesive mixtures, and then put under the press. The resulting result is distinguished by its bright, but relatively uniform color and high strength. It is most often counterfeited by painting molten glass, enamel or even plastic in the appropriate color. Odontolite, the fossilized remains of animals, is also used as a simulator. The latter can be distinguished by microscopic examination of the section; the organic origin of the mineral is noticeable on it.

Thus, the color, origin and quality of the stone influence the price of turquoise. Despite the fact that buyers in most cases prefer the rich “heavenly” - “Iranian” color, turquoise of different shades can be found on the jewelry market, and an Australian apple green or chalk-like specimen may be more expensive than a bright blue cabochon. You can also tell whether the seller has real turquoise by how much the stone costs: a natural specimen with a rare color cannot be cheap.

Prices for turquoise have remained stable for a long time. In 2013, a top quality turquoise cabochon measuring approximately 20 by 15 mm could be purchased in Iran for the equivalent of $650-$850 US dollars. Commercial quality stones of the same size cost significantly less, ranging from $1 to $20 dollars apiece.

How unique turquoise can be, thanks to the color and shape of the stone, is illustrated by a selection of photos in the best possible way:

Turquoise in jewelry

Stereotypes claim that semi-precious stones are only suitable for gray-haired ladies, but fashion trends they say the opposite. Turquoise jewelry never leaves the peak of fame for long. So, after a boom in the 1970s, they returned the love of fashion houses at the beginning of the third millennium. The first sign of their return to the catwalk was the show jewelry house De Grisogono, his baton was picked up by Cartier, Webster Pasquale Bruni, Stephen. Van Cleef & Arpels uses blue mineral along with to create exclusive jewelry.

Hollywood actresses keep up with the trends of the times: Accessories with Iranian stone are worn by Cameron Diaz, Megan Fox, Winona Ryder, Scarlett Johansson, Heidi Klum and other famous beauties.

Who is this bright and original stone suitable for - turquoise? A young rebel or a business woman? Should you wear the jewelry with it for special occasions or with everyday wear?

There is no clear answer to this question, except one: it all depends on the chosen image and mood design. Experiment! Feel free to combine turquoise with your everyday wardrobe. This stone is not considered an evening stone, although some jewelry that includes turquoise can be worn with evening dresses. If Napoleon Bonaparte himself ordered her to replace the emeralds in the tiara, which was made as a gift to his future wife Marie Louise, then why not feel like an empress?

The ancient Arabs believed that “firuze” refreshes and highlights the color of a delicate woman’s face - it is worth using eastern wisdom. Carnations will become suitable decoration for every day, and original long earrings, complemented by a necklace and bracelets, will create a captivating and mysterious look for an evening or cocktail dress. Turquoise is universal and can both emphasize the originality of the boho style and enliven a formal business suit.

Of course, you should wear jewelry set in metal of the same shade, and select them in accordance with color scheme ensemble. They can harmonize, or they can contrast with it; they will complement it as discreet and discreet, for example, grey colour, and bright, warm terracotta. A catchy blue detail will add a fresh touch and lightness to the gloomy shades of black.

Magical and astrological properties of turquoise: who suits the stone according to their zodiac sign

Magic properties stones have been known since ancient times: Ritual objects were inlaid with turquoise, amulets were made from it, and items made from it were worn before important events - for example, weddings. The Persian poet Saadi wrote that the stone worn by lovers fades when their feelings fade. As legend has it, Buddha was able to defeat a demonic monster using the magical properties of turquoise, and therefore the one who wears it will be protected from evil.

What does turquoise symbolize, and what is the meaning of the stone? Legends different countries and times are so unanimous on this issue that we can draw a general conclusion: this is a sign of purity of soul, sincerity, devotion, faithful love and victory over evil. Therefore, people who are dishonest do not wear it: the product quickly fades and attracts misfortune to them.

The main property of turquoise is to protect its owner from injuries and falls, as well as ensuring good luck in bold endeavors, be it a battle on the battlefield or a risky trade deal. This property of the stone suggests who turquoise is suitable for: people who are purposeful, have a strong character, decisive and strong-willed. In this regard, wearing a turquoise stone is favorable for zodiac signs whose element is fire. Astrologers believe that turquoise is the birthstone of Sagittarius. She protects them most actively. According to the recommendations of the Jewelry Industry Council of America and the British National Association of Jewelers, turquoise is the birthstone for the month of December.

Of course, not only Sagittarius, but also representatives of other zodiac signs can wear turquoise: the magical properties of the stone, for example, will help stubborn Taurus keep their emotions in balance. For Aries, as a native of the fire element, callais will lead to victory in any of their struggles. Sensitive Pisces and reserved Virgos will be helped to establish harmony in their difficult relationships with other people, and the ardent and aggressive Scorpio will find that his anger has decreased significantly.

However, the properties of turquoise are not limited to protection: the stone is of great importance for health and well-being in a person’s love sphere. The ancients believed that looking at it in the morning would improve your mood for the whole day, and wearing it in earrings or a pendant would strengthen the heart and heal fatigue. She helped women in childbirth, liver disease, stopped bleeding and expelled poison from the blood, healed wounds and ulcers. Lithotherapists advise using turquoise to treat stomach diseases and reconcile quarreling spouses. Set in silver, it will help with insomnia, and a gold frame for turquoise gives the stone the property of increasing immunity and normalizing metabolism; in addition, gold as an esoteric symbol has an exclusively positive meaning, which provides a powerful energy boost. However, you should not combine turquoise with chrysolite, aventurine, etc. A favorable ensemble consists of a mineral with garnet, carnelian, aquamarine,. Only blue stones have pronounced energy, and therefore green stones are suitable only for people who, wearing them, symbolize the successful achievement of all life goals.

Whatever your zodiac sign, there will always be one of the many that suits you magical properties heavenly stone: turquoise will become a friend, guardian and helper. The heavenly talisman will serve with the devotion it symbolizes, protecting your health, bringing good luck in business, maintaining peace and harmony between you and those you love.

Turquoise – semiprecious stone sea ​​green color, which has been one of the ten most revered stones on our planet for 5,000 years!

There is probably no people on Earth who do not know turquoise. Nature has rewarded the stone with a rare, piercingly exciting color. IN different cultures the stone has deservedly received many of the most enthusiastic epithets - “the stone of the Egyptian pharaohs”, “the sacred stone of Tibet”, “the heavenly stone of the American Indians”, “the favorite stone of the East”, etc.

Many peoples of the world believed that turquoise is a stone that evokes strong love. Medieval court ladies always carried talismans with turquoise with them in order to charm their chosen one. The lovers gave each other rings with turquoise. If the stone became cloudy, it meant that the love between them had faded. Eastern women To attract a man's attention, they secretly sewed a turquoise stone into his clothes.
Read more about: The magical properties of turquoise

Turquoise was considered a magical talisman by the peoples who lived in different time, on different ends of the planet and had no communication with each other: in Persia, in China, in Ancient Mexico, in India, in Central America, etc. Turquoise was found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, Persian shahs, Aztecs and American Indians.

Huge developments of stone were carried out during the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. Tens of thousands of turquoise jewelry and amulets have been found in the tombs and burials of the pharaohs.

The oldest archaeological find with turquoise is a gold bracelet that was found on the hand of an Egyptian mummy. According to scientists, this decoration was created 8,000 years ago! Therefore, we can safely say that the inhabitants of the pre-Pharaonic era knew about turquoise.

American Indians highly valued turquoise and considered it the petrified tears of the sky goddess - the magic stone was used in all rituals and ceremonies. Among the Aztecs, turquoise was the stone of the gods and a military talisman. Ordinary people were forbidden to wear turquoise - it was presented as a gift to the gods. The burial ritual of leaders was always accompanied by the burial of a large amount of turquoise. Over 50,000 turquoise items were found in Aztec burials!

Buddhists considered and still consider turquoise a sacred stone. Buddhist mythology describes many legends that tell how people managed to defeat the most terrible monsters with the help of turquoise.

IN ancient Rus' turquoise was used in jewelry, as well as for decorating weapons, clothing, and religious objects. Turquoise was used to decorate the attributes of royal power; the stone was used by Russian soldiers as a talisman.

In Medieval Europe, turquoise was a vital necessity - it was used to check the presence of poison in glasses. The intrigues and machinations of the royal court often led to the death of the king's favorites and queens' favorites. And only the turquoise thrown into the glass accurately showed the wine sent.

In the East, turquoise has always been literally idolized. In Muslim countries, there were many beliefs associated with turquoise - it was believed that the stone brought love, success and wealth. Eastern merchants always had a turquoise ring on their hand, because, as the well-known eastern wisdom says, “the hand that has a turquoise ring on it will never become poor.” Another eastern proverb talks about the relationship of lovers to turquoise: “When you receive a ring with turquoise from the hands of your beloved, this stone will be a soft blue color. But as soon as she stops loving you, the stone will fade and lose its color. This is a sign that you have lost your loved one forever.”

In the Ancient East, turquoise was considered a powerful talisman, with the help of which eye diseases were healed. Medieval healers ground turquoise with ointment and advised rubbing sore eyes with this medicine.

Turquoise is a well-recognized and at the same time such a rare and valuable stone. In Ancient Iran, the cost of turquoise was higher than gold! The Persian Shahs established a monopoly on turquoise mining, so ordinary people it was virtually unavailable. Even today, the highest quality turquoise costs 3-4 times more than gold, since the volume of stone mining is low and the demand is very high.

Color and variety of turquoise

The color of turquoise has many shades: bright blue, bluish blue, light blue, dark green and so on.

Often on one turquoise stone there are several color transitions with many halftones. The piercing blue-green color is formed by a combination of copper, chromium and iron.

The color of high-quality turquoise is very bright and expressive! Hundreds of poets and writers have captured the amazing similarity of this stone to the color of the sea surface.

Blue turquoise is one of the most valuable varieties of the mineral. The blue tint is due to the presence of copper (it does not contain iron). Blue turquoise has a very dense and durable structure, so it is used to create jewelry.

Lace and mesh turquoise
In addition to brightly colored and pale colored types of turquoise, there are also “mesh” and “lace” turquoise. On “mesh” turquoise, the pattern consists of thin intersecting black and brown veins. "Mesh" turquoise (turquoise matrix) is very picturesque and is in high demand in the jewelry market.

Lace turquoise has a delicate and complex pattern created by graceful circles intertwined with each other.

As the stone ages, copper is replaced by iron oxide, and turquoise gradually begins to turn green.

Yellow-green turquoise is valued less than sky blue stone.

origin of name

The Russian word "turquoise" comes from the Persian words "firuze" ("stone of happiness") and "piruz" (victory, winner, victorious).

"Firuzaj" is translated from Arabic as "victorious."

Due to the fact that turquoise enjoyed increased popularity in medieval Turkey and was supplied from there to Europe, in many European languages ​​the stone received a “Turkish” name. The French called turquoise "turquoise", which translates as "Turkish stone". Although the stone has never been mined in Turkey. In those years, turquoise was actively mined in Iran and transported along the Great Silk Road through Turkey to Europe. This name for turquoise has been preserved to this day in many Romano-Germanic languages.

In Ancient Rome, turquoise was called “callais”, this is written about in the manuscripts of Pliny the Elder. An ancient Roman writer described that “the color of turquoise resembles the water near the seashore.”

Origin of turquoise

Scientists have several hypotheses about the origin of turquoise. Main hypothesis – turquoise is formed near the earth's surface as a result of cuprous surface solutions affecting rocks (phosphate, igneous, sedimentary aluminous).

There are many legends about the origin of turquoise.
For example, the ancient Persians believed that turquoise was formed from the bones of people who died of love.
Read more about: Myths and legends about turquoise

Turquoise never forms in large solid masses or large pieces. The weight of a piece of pure turquoise is usually no more than 30-50 grams. Most often, this mineral is found in the form of veins, crusts and small round inclusions.

Place of Birth

The main deposits of turquoise are Egypt, Iran, the Sinai Peninsula, and the USA.
Turquoise is also found in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China (Tibet), Mexico, Peru, Chile, Israel, Tanzania, Australia, and Argentina.

In Sinai, turquoise mining began back in the 6th millennium BC. Today these reserves are virtually depleted. A large volume of turquoise is mined from large copper deposits in the United States at the same time as copper ore is mined.

The highest quality turquoise is mined from deposits in Nishapur (Iran). Despite the fact that these mines were developed back in the 3rd millennium BC, the best varieties of turquoise in the world are mined here today. Nishapur turquoise is the world standard of this mineral.

Application

Turquoise has always been an extremely popular precious and ornamental stone, which was widely used in jewelry by all ancient civilizations on Earth. Since the stone is not very hard, it is not cut, but processed into polished cabochons or beads. Turquoise goes well with silver and gold, as well as other precious stones. The Egyptians, Romans, Persians, Aztecs and American Indians of the Zuni and Navajo tribes created fantastically beautiful jewelry from silver and turquoise – rings and earrings, bracelets and necklaces, pendants and brooches. The mineral was treated with sand and carefully polished. Turquoise is a very sensitive material, so rough processing can damage it and ruin its appearance.

Jewelers around the world widely use turquoise matrix (reticulated turquoise) and turquoise in rock - these are natural aggregates of turquoise with limonite or other mineral. These stones look simply great. High-quality turquoise rock is still mined today in the same place – in the southwestern United States.

Since ancient times, a beautiful and bright stone has been used to decorate weapons, armor, clothing and attributes of royal power. In the East, hookahs, tiaras, and vessels were abundantly decorated with turquoise.

Thin plates of turquoise were used to create carved artistic products - inlays on metal or wood. Irregularly shaped pieces of turquoise are used to create mosaics.

The popularity and rarity of turquoise have contributed to the fact that the stone has been actively counterfeited for a long time. The Egyptians were the first to imitate turquoise. For counterfeiting, the most various materials– colored glass, porcelain, bone impregnated with copper salts, etc.
Read more about: How to distinguish natural turquoise from a fake.

Medicinal properties of turquoise

Impact on chakras:
Turquoise is the main stone of the 5th Throat Chakra. The stone also has a good effect on the 6th Brow chakra. Turquoise is very often used for meditation. The energy of the stone allows you to discover the ability to contemplate and emotional thinking. Meditation with turquoise helps you remember and realize all your childhood fears and get rid of them, increases mental clarity and articulation, and gives you a peaceful, long sleep.

Silver significantly enhances the effect of turquoise! That's why silver jewelry with stone are always in high demand.

Since ancient times, turquoise has been used to protect against accidents. This stone helps people exposed to constant increased danger.

Cleaning Turquoise:
It is recommended to charge turquoise once a month. The procedure must be done in a container specially designated for this purpose. Hematite activates the purification of turquoise, so small hematite stones are added to a bowl of purified water and turquoise. To enhance effectiveness, charge turquoise at the same time as rock crystal and pieces of copper. The stone is extremely sensitive to high temperature– It is not recommended to heat it and charge it in the sun. Avoid contact with acid and soap.

In ancient times, no doctor could be considered a real healer if he did not have turquoise stones in his healing arsenal - such a doctor was simply not trusted.

Earrings or pendants with turquoise were “prescribed” to strengthen the heart, as well as against kidney and bladder diseases. To speed up the processes of skin regeneration in case of burns, as well as during treatment for smallpox and measles, a turquoise pebble was placed under the pillow of a sick person.

Turquoise powder was taken to save oneself from snake venom that had entered the body. Also, the magic powder helped against deadly scorpion stings. There is evidence that turquoise jewelry stopped bleeding, relieved stomach ulcers and liver diseases. The ancient Persians used turquoise to treat ulcers and tumors. Turquoise set in metal helps normalize all processes in the body and also improves immunity. In many cultures, it was believed that constantly wearing this stone in the solar plexus area significantly prolongs a person’s life.

One of the main properties of turquoise is to change its color depending on the state of the environment. The structure of the stone absorbs moisture and fats and therefore reacts to changes in the state of the human body - it is a kind of indicator of health. The stone reacts to changes in temperature, as well as changes in the humidity of the human body. Darkened turquoise is a sign that the owner of the stone needs to undergo an examination.

Modern lithotherapists who offer a stone treatment system recommend wearing silver jewelry with turquoise to anyone who suffers from insomnia.

In the diaries of ancient healers there are records that “in a silver frame, turquoise relieves insomnia and nightmares, and in a pendant it stops severe bleeding.”

Doctors of the medieval East noted that “if you finely crush turquoise and lubricate your teeth with this healing powder, it will remove tooth worms and prevent your teeth from rotting.”

There is evidence that ointments made from turquoise healed serious eye diseases - they treated cataracts, returned color to the pupils, and increased the ability to see well at night. It was believed that looking at this beautiful stone daily for a few minutes in the morning would improve vision. Turquoise helps relieve eye strain after long and intense work, and restores vision.

Turquoise helped during childbirth, relieved heartburn and female diseases. Turquoise was used to treat jaundice and various stomach diseases. Nursing mothers were recommended to wear turquoise to increase education breast milk. Stroking the belly with turquoise helps cope with chronic diseases stomach - before the procedure, you need to warm the stone in your palms to charge it with energy.

Constantly wearing turquoise is an excellent way to prevent many different diseases (diabetes, allergies, sore throat, flu, rheumatism, arthrosis, skin inflammation, neuroses).

Another beautiful healing stone green tint– chrysoprase. Ancient eastern healers used chrysoprase as a medicine - applied to sore spots to treat gout, skin rashes, eye diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. Ancient healers noted that the pleasant greenish tint of the stone helps restore good spirits.
Read more about: The healing properties of chrysoprase

History of turquoise

The history of turquoise goes back thousands of years and throughout its journey this mineral has been used increased attention and special honor. The popularity of the stone is confirmed by archaeological excavations.

For example, in Ancient Egypt It’s hard to find a burial that doesn’t contain something amazing beautiful jewelry with stone. Queen Nefertiti herself wore one of these jewelry. The tombs of the pharaohs were especially richly decorated, since they believed that turquoise talismans would help them in the afterlife.

In Ancient Egypt, blue turquoise was especially valued. Thousands of slaves were sent to search for and extract it into the lifeless desert of the Sinai Peninsula, many of whom did not return from the deadly campaign. The color of turquoise was extremely rare, like the stone itself, so such jewelry was very expensive and was available only to the nobility.

The sarcophagus and treasury of Tutankhamun's tomb are decorated with turquoise - the level of workmanship of the products is uniquely high. In addition to countless decorations, the pharaoh's chest ornament was found in the tomb - a golden falcon inlaid with turquoise and other precious stones. A unique specimen of a turquoise scarab was also found here. The Egyptians were famous for their skillful jewelry craftsmanship and excellently combined turquoise with gold.

The Egyptians carved figures of scarab beetles from turquoise, which were considered sacred. Such amulets were considered the most spectacular in their magical power. Scarab beetles symbolized the sun and were revered as cult creatures.

In Ancient China, turquoise was revered very highly and was considered the second favorite national stone in importance - after jade. In Ancient Tibet, turquoise was not even considered a stone, but a living being and a deity. Representatives of the Tibetan nobility took “turquoise” surnames – “Turquoise Roof” and so on.

Turquoise is the national stone of the Iranian (Persian) people. The ancient Persians highly revered this stone and believed that turquoise protected its owner from evil forces and brought happiness. Turquoise was presented to each other as a gift as a sign of love, tenderness and passion.

Turquoise was a mandatory element in wedding decoration the most brides different nations(Volga region, Caucasus, Central Asia). Traditional outfit Muslim bride necessarily included jewelry made from this stone, since it symbolized virginity, purity and a future happy family life. Turquoise rings were exchanged on the day of engagement. Such a ring was a sign of attraction and symbolized eternal love.

Turquoise is the official stone of honor in the US states of Arizona and New Mexico. The Navajo shepherds who live there still carry pieces of turquoise with them to this day because they consider the stone sacred.

Throughout history, the magical properties of turquoise have been noted by bright historical figures from various times.

Tsar Ivan the Terrible was very fond of blue turquoise. There is evidence that shortly before his death, the king complained of weakness and said that turquoise was fading before his eyes, foreshadowing him near death. The English traveler Horsey recorded the words of Ivan the Terrible: “Look at the turquoise and take it in your hands. It remains as bright as before, but how turquoise fades when you put it on my hand! I am infected with a disease, and therefore the turquoise loses its color. It foretells my death."

Tsar Boris Godunov also loved turquoise very much - Bottom part his throne, donated by the Shah of Iran in 1604, was decorated with large inlays oval shape made from turquoise. High-quality turquoise was supplied from Iran to Moscow, which was used to decorate the weapons, helmets and thrones of the Russian tsars.

According to Konstantin Danzas (a lyceum friend of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin and a second in his duel), before his death the poet gave him a ring with turquoise, which his wife Natalya Nikolaevna gave him as a talisman. The gold ring was pear-shaped and adorned with pale green turquoise. Pushkin refused the ring just before the duel.

At the beginning of the 13th century, the English king John the Landless ordered a ring with turquoise to be made for him so that it would warn him of approaching diseases (turquoise reacts by changing color to an increase or decrease in the temperature of the human body).

Tourmaline is an extraordinary stone! Emits air vitamins, microcurrents, infrared rays, negative ions. This entire complex of natural wonders has the most positive impact on human well-being and health. Incredible......

71% of our planet is covered in water, from oceans to mountain lakes and jungle lagoons. Over time, the names and boundaries of these bodies of water have continuously changed, reflecting political, geographical and historical situations. The only thing remains unchanged - every year they attract hundreds of thousands of people with their crystal clear and dazzling blue water.

These are 23 places on our planet with the most transparent and delightful water, the color of which seems unreal!

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest coral reef system and most popular diving site. The water here is so clear that the reef is visible from space.

Corfu, Greece

The waters off the coast, the second largest among the Ionian Islands, provide tourists with the opportunity to enjoy their transparency and crystal purity. The island is visited by tourists from all over the world, but most people come from the UK, Germany and Scandinavian countries.

Lake Tahoe, USA

Lake Tahoe is the largest lake in the world after the Great Lakes.

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan cities. Every year it attracts crowds of tourists with its delightful white sand and clear water.

Peyto, Canada

Peyto is located in Banff National Park. Thanks to bright color water and strange shape (it resembles the head of a huge wolf), the lake looks like a picture. Large amounts of mountain flour and sediment from glacial runoff caused Peyto's turquoise hue.

Panari Island, Japan

It is one of the most remote parts of Japan, located several hundred miles east of Taiwan.

Perhentian, Malaysia

Crystal pure water and the white sand of the islands will provide an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Here you can find jellyfish, turtles, reef sharks, colorful reef fish and other inhabitants.

To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa

A huge natural pool surrounded by lush greenery, located in a small village in Samoa and reaches 30 meters in depth.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

The sands of this beach are 98% silica, which is the reason for their fine texture and bright colors. white. At high tide, snow-white sand and azure water combine to create unforgettable patterns.

Crater Lake, USA

The main attraction of Oregon National Park is Crater Lake, known for its deep blue and unique water clarity.

Wineglass Bay, Australia

Famous for its white sandy beaches and sapphire waters. Hiking, sailing and fishing are very popular activities here.

Turquoise belongs to the category of fragile minerals. Its main color is sky blue, but there are also other intricate shades. Many jewelers consider this gem to be semi-precious and give due preference to turquoise products.

Turquoise is considered an unusual stone that is fraught with many secrets and myths. Over the years, the mineral has managed to absorb the strongest energy of our ancestors and thereby obtain beneficial features and meanings.

Some people believe that if you wake up at dawn and look at the mineral in the morning and hold it in your hand for a few minutes, then the day will be calm and will not bring disappointments.

According to geologists and astrologers, turquoise has been known for more than 5 thousand years. There is hardly a nationality or country in which they have not heard of this mineral, which can charm with its magical and attractive color.

Colors and varieties

The mineral has many different colors, including shades of blue, cyan and green-gray.

Quite often there are stones with a combination of several colors and veins that are saturated with turquoise. This unusual and eye-piercing color is obtained through a combination of chromium, copper and iron particles. In this way, an incredibly bright and rich stone is achieved.

Acts as a rare variety of mineral and the most refined. Turquoise is given such dazzling brightness by the absence of iron and the predominance of copper, due to which the stone becomes unusually durable. Therefore, most often, it is the blue gem that is used by the best jewelers to make jewelry.

This variety is achieved due to the admixture of iron in large quantities. This color is generally considered to have outlived its usefulness. Recommended for those who are already advanced in age and have acquired everything they need throughout life (experience, knowledge, financial wealth).

There is also a type that has unusual dark-colored veins throughout the stone. The shades of such meshes can be either black or dark brown. It is characteristic that such stripes intersect with each other, creating an original and harmonious picture.

Astrologers strongly advise wearing a stone in a silver frame, as this is the most favorable metal for the mineral, capable of fully revealing its potential. In addition, turquoise is a fragile gem that requires careful handling. When washing your hands or applying ointments, you should be sure to remove all jewelry with a stone, as this can have a detrimental effect on it.

Healing properties of the stone

The mineral is known for its versatility, having an unusual ability to bring harmony both to the human body and to its psychological state. It is especially recommended to wear turquoise jewelry for people who regularly suffer from nightmares and insomnia. The gem has a healing effect on the following organs: heart, liver, lungs and stomach. The owner of turquoise will be able to feel the beneficial effects. It will help restore vision, give the skin a healthy and radiant appearance, relieve migraines and alleviate ailments caused by colds.

To treat the thyroid gland and restore the vocal cords, it is recommended to wear a pendant with a stone on the neck, closer to the source of the disease. Many lithotherapists are of the opinion that turquoise, like a person, survives all age categories (youth, maturity and old age). It is so energetically connected to the owner. In the prime of your youth, you should fix your gaze on a bright blue stone, but after time, choose turquoise in green shades.

The Mongols, only by turquoise could clearly and reliably determine internal state person. If, without any reason, the stone begins to fade, then serious problems, illness or fever, are occurring within the owner. But such manifestations are in no way connected with magic, since turquoise changes when exposed to natural phenomena. The mineral does not tolerate increased temperature and humidity, which is why when a sick person gets hot or sweaty, the stone changes in color and transparency.

Magical properties of turquoise

At all times, turquoise has been considered a stone of love and great happiness, which every person deserves. It will help reconcile the worst enemies, soften the discontent of the bosses at work and give peace and tranquility in the family. The gem has extraordinary magic in terms of changing its color in bad weather conditions and illness of the person who wears it on the body. If, after picking up turquoise, he becomes light, sometimes pale, it means that the person urgently needs the help of medical specialists, since there is a high probability of a fatal disease.

This mineral acts as a talisman for brave, desperate, fighting and independent individuals. Only in this case, the owner is promised success and avoidance of unnecessary fuss and unpleasant situations.

The mineral is also famous for its strong energy, which will lead a person to the heights of power, with his strong desire and unity with turquoise. The owner of jewelry with a stone will be able to gain authority among work colleagues in a short time. However, you should be extremely attentive to the mineral, since a person who acquired it for personal gain and violates the principles of morality will most likely be punished.

Besides everything else, turquoise brings pleasant surprises to couples in love. It is believed that if you sew a piece of the mineral into your pocket, the guy will love only you and also remain faithful. But if a guy presents his beloved with turquoise jewelry, then success awaits her not only in matters of the heart, but in the professional field.

To Sagittarius, Taurus and Scorpio, the stone will give good luck and self-control over their outbursts of emotions. Required with special attention refer to the selected color of the mineral. So Sagittarius should wear items with a blue gem, and Scorpios and Taurus should wear green ones.

Pisces, Aries and Virgos should take a closer look at white turquoise, which will perfectly harmonize with the internal worldview of representatives born under these zodiac signs.

It is very important that you should not categorically refuse turquoise if you do not belong to any of the above signs, because it is fraught with a lot of unknowns. It is generally accepted that this is one of the few stones that independently decides with whom to connect and harmonize. Thus, a connection should be formed between the owner and the mineral, which will bring good luck and prosperity to the person.

Turquoise is a stone of love, but only for those who are truly worthy of it. It promotes the development and prosperity of a person who is highly moral and adheres to his life principles. It is for this reason that turquoise does not take root among envious and evil people. But if you are a shy person and do not know how to properly present spoken language, turquoise will give you eloquence.

If there is the slightest hint of illness, the stone will instantly sense it in almost all zodiac signs, except for the formidable Leo.