Turquoise is a stone that has been prized for many years. The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewellery. Turquoise is greenish-blue or pale sky blue. The name means `Turkish stone` as it came to Europe by way of Turkey. Turquoise was mined more than 6,000 years ago in Sinai. The best turquoise comes from Iran, but not much is exported now. Presently much turquoise comes from Mexico and the United States.

Turquoise is a hydrous copper aluminium silicate that occurs in microcrystalline nodules. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times, like most other opaque gems, turquoise has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics into the market. Turquoise is one of the oldest protection amulets and was also known as a symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures. In the 13th century turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling, especially from horses.

Turquoise gives strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world as well. The turquoise is the symbol of friendship. It also brings peace to the home. This stone is a very personal and meaningful stone to one who wears it. Turquoise takes on the characteristics of the owner. Turquoise carries great wisdom of basic truth within it. It is one of the oldest stones known.

The colour of turquoise ranges from sky blue to various shades of green to greenish and yellowish grey. Turquoise is opaque except in the thinnest splinters, and has a feeble, faintly waxy lustre. It is said that Turquoise brings happiness and good fortune.

Benefits of Turquoise
Turquoise generally neutralizes over acidity, alleviates rheumatism, gout, stomach ailments, viral infections, increases growth, muscular strength, alleviates pain, and relaxes cramps. It also contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. This stone should be used with copper to increase the power of turquoise.

Sometimes this is known as a truth stone, as it instigate the owner to be true to himself. This gem stone is a stone of self realization helping someone to better understand self ideas and emotions. It is a wonderful aid in regards to any type of analytical thinking. This also attunes the physical to the higher realms. This generally aligns all chakras, creating a clear channel for the nurturing and creative energy of this sacred stone. The turquoise generally protects and blesses the user; this is one of the most versatile of the power stones. Turquoise works at the throat Chakra enhancing communication skills. It also helps one develop natural powers. This is excellent grounding stone and also excellent healing stone.

The stone`s colour and lustre tend to deteriorate with exposure to sunlight, heat, or various weak acids. Turquoise is relatively soft, thus scratches and sharp blows can become harmful. There are certain coatings that should not be removed. Turquoise is believed by many to bestow wealth and happiness upon its receiver. The finest Turquoise is an even blue, blue-green, or green colour with little or no mottling. A delicate sky blue, turquoise provides an attractive contrast with precious metals. It may be carved or engraved, and irregular pieces are often set in mosaics with jasper, obsidian, and mother of pearl as well. Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing colour.