For gemstone students, turquoise is a very interesting and special gemstone.

Water acting on aluminum and copper forms the Turquoise gemstone and its color varies depending on the region in which it is mined.

The stones are impregnated with wax or resin to stabilize their color because sunlight causes turquoise to fade. Turquoise jewelry needs to be handled and cleaned with care and can be affected by oils such as face cream or sunscreen, which can absorb into the stone and change its color. Stone can also be affected by storage in airtight containers, but should be stored separately, preferably in a soft cloth bag or wrap.

Before it acquired its modern European name, when the gemstone was first mined and traded in Europe from Turkey, there were other names for the stone. Pliny called the mineral callais, the Iranians called it "pirouzeh" and the Aztecs knew it as chalchihuit. Its smoothness means it is a good stone to polish after mining and some pieces may also be studded with flecks of pyrite or contain dark veins of spidery limonite. The gemstone is typically found in arid regions, filling or embedding cavities and fractures in typically heavily altered volcanic rocks, often with associated limonite and other iron oxides.

Turquoise was one of the first gemstones to be mined and has a long and venerable history as a valuable gem in many ancient cultures, particularly in Egypt and Persia, now Iran. It is generally thought to have been introduced to Europe via the famous Silk Road from China, but it was not particularly valued in the West until the 14th century.

Long before that, the Aztecs used turquoise inlays, along with gold, quartz, malachite, jet, jade, coral, and shells, in mosaic objects such as masks, knives, and shields that were thought to serve a ceremonial purpose.

Some of the largest mines today are in the United States, particularly in Arizona and Nevada. Among the mines in Arizona are colorful names like the Sleeping Beauty Mine, Blue Bird Mine, Castle Dome, and Ithaca Peak.

The healing and therapeutic properties of the stone are well known and it can be worn on any part of the body, making both a turquoise necklace and a turquoise bracelet an attractive and useful gemstone when the wearer needs to enhance their empathy and care. or increase intuitive ability. and opens the door to spiritual growth.

For anyone out of gift ideas for a Capricorn born in December, preferably with a love of jewelry, it’s the birthstone for their zodiac sign.