What was turquoise used for

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The other widely known turquoise uses are a bit more spiritual in nature. In different parts of the world, cultures ascribe certain metaphysical properties to turquoise.

Turquoise history is full of examples of people who believed the stones could help them communicate with spirits, provide good fortune and cure sickness. The New Age crowd believes the stone can promote positivity and drive away negative energy. They also believe keeping the stone close can help protect the owner from illness, even reduce the negative impacts of alcohol consumption.

Some people inappropriately describe the color as "Persian blue" after the famous high-quality material mined in the area that is now known as Iraq. Using a geographic name with a gem material should only be done when the material was mined in that locality.

After blue, bluish green stones are preferred, with green and yellowish green material being less desirable. Departure from a nice blue color is caused by small amounts of iron substituting for aluminum in the turquoise structure. The iron imparts a green tint to the turquoise in proportion to its abundance. The color of turquoise might also be altered by small amounts of iron or zinc substituting for copper in the turquoise structure.

Some turquoise contains inclusions of its host rock known as matrix that appear as black or brown spider-webbing or patches within the material. Many cutters try to produce stones that exclude the matrix, but sometimes it is so uniformly or finely distributed through the stone that it cannot be avoided. Some people who purchase turquoise jewelry enjoy seeing the matrix within the stone, but as a general rule, turquoise with heavy matrix is less desirable.

Some turquoise localities produce material with a characteristic color and appearance. For example, the Sleeping Beauty Mine is known for its light blue turquoise without matrix.

Much of the turquoise from the Kingman Mine is bright blue with a spider web of black matrix. The Morenci Mine produces a lot of dark blue turquoise with pyrite in the matrix. Much of the Bisbee turquoise has a bright blue color with a chocolate brown matrix.

People who know turquoise can often, but not always, correctly associate a stone with a specific mine. The best way to learn about minerals is to study with a collection of small specimens that you can handle, examine, and observe their properties. Inexpensive mineral collections are available in the Geology. Turquoise has a lower-than-ideal hardness and durability for use in certain types of jewelry.

Although the gem is frequently used in rings, bracelets, and belt buckles, these uses place the gem at risk for abrasion and impact. Smart jewelry design will surround the gem with a durable bezel that protects the sides of the gem from abrasion and impact.

The bezel should be high enough to also protect the face of the gem. Even if the gem is protected by a bezel, turquoise jewelry should be worn with care and respect. Avoid wearing it during activities that put the gem at risk, and store it where it will not be scratched by other items of jewelry.

Turquoise is often porous, with the ability to absorb liquids. These liquids can include perspiration, body oil, cleaning products, or any liquid that accidentally comes in contact.

Once absorbed, these liquids can damage the turquoise or alter its color. If contact with cosmetics or potentially damaging liquid occurs, the turquoise should be washed with a soft cloth that is dampened with a very mild soap solution, followed by cleaning with a soft cloth that has been dampened with plain water. Then, after the turquoise is dry, store it in a jewelry box away from bright light or heat.

Turquoise rough: A specimen of rough sky blue turquoise in host rock from Mohave County, Arizona. Turquoise is rarely found in well-formed crystals. Instead it is usually an aggregate of microcrystals.

When the microcrystals are packed closely together, the turquoise has a lower porosity, greater durability, and polishes to a higher luster. This luster falls short of being "vitreous" or "glassy. Turquoise forms best in an arid climate, and that determines the geography of turquoise sources.

Most of the world's turquoise rough is currently produced in the southwestern United States , China , Chile , Egypt , Iran , and Mexico. In these areas, rainfall infiltrates downward through soil and rock, dissolving small amounts of copper.

When this water is later evaporated, the copper combines with aluminum and phosphorus to deposit tiny amounts of turquoise on the walls of subsurface fractures.

Turquoise can also replace the rock in contact with these waters. If the replacement is complete, a solid mass of turquoise will be formed. When the replacement is less complete, the host rock will appear as a "matrix" within the turquoise. The matrix can form a "spider web," "patchy" design, or other pattern within the stone. The physical properties of turquoise are valuable for its identification.

They are also valuable information for the care of turquoise jewelry. Important properties are summarized in the accompanying table. Weathering can significantly alter the physical properties of turquoise. Weathered turquoise might still have a desirable color, but its hardness and durability are reduced. This turquoise cannot be cut into useful cabochons or beads. Weathered turquoise is often crushed and used to make "composite" or "reconstituted" turquoise described in the " Natural Turquoise and Turquoise Treatments " section below.

In fact, the blue mineral remains a talisman of protection for horses and their riders. Some even believe the sea blue mineral protects a person no matter their method of travel.

Whether by horse or by air, by ship or by car, crystal experts believe a person on the go can rely on turquoise to pave the way for smooth and safe travel. We offer only high quality jewelry and stand behind all purchases with a no questions 60 day money back guarantee. But EraGem put me at ease with their prompt communication and answered all my questions.

Blog Menu. Recent Posts. Jewelry News Categories. January 28, by EraGem. Turquoise has long been celebrated as a stone of protection. This gorgeous LeVian turquoise brooch provides all the wonderful symbolism and meaning of December's celebrated birthstone. Free Overnight Shipping. Follow Us.

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