Turquoise
Stone for History
A guide for the history, meaning, metaphysical uses, purposes, crystal healing, and properties of the virtuous Turquoise.
This stone and its iconic color are inseparable. This perfect marriage has led to the color and the stone being immensely popular in many cultures. When you say turquoise, people think of the stone and the color right away.
Unveiling the Spiritual Healing Powers of Turquoise
Turquoise is revered for its profound spiritual healing properties, often regarded as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms. This gemstone is said to enhance communication beyond our world, promoting a deeper understanding and connection.
Purifying and Protective Essence
Turquoise is believed to have a cleansing impact that shields us from negative energies. It infuses us with a refreshing, calming energy, especially when we feel drained or spiritually depleted. This stone is thought to nourish and rejuvenate, helping restore us to our true selves.
Chakra Alignment and Energy Balance
Aiding in the balancing of chakras and meridians, Turquoise is said to harmonize the masculine and feminine energies within us. This balance is crucial for maintaining spiritual and emotional well-being. By aligning these energies, it helps us express our truths clearly while remaining open to new perspectives.
Fostering Growth and Compassion
Turquoise is associated with continuous learning and personal growth, encouraging individuals to become more skilled and insightful as life progresses. It is thought to inspire qualities like compassion, generosity, and kindness, nurturing a positive connection with all beings.
Symbolic Representation
The color of Turquoise holds significance, too. Bright blue stones are often linked to ‘male’ energy, symbolizing the vastness of the sky. In contrast, green Turquoise evokes ‘female’ energy, embodying the richness of the Earth.
In summary, Turquoise is more than just a beautiful stone—it's a spiritual ally that supports communication, protection, balance, and personal evolution.
Which Other Crystals or Gemstones Pair Well with Turquoise?
Turquoise’s calming and harmonizing energy is beautifully complemented by select gemstones known for their synergy and healing properties. If you’re interested in amplifying turquoise’s effects or simply exploring new combinations, consider pairing it with these popular stones:
- Lapis Lazuli: Renowned for its wisdom-enhancing qualities, Lapis Lazuli deepens intuition and promotes honest self-expression. Together with turquoise, it supports truthful communication and inner clarity.
- Labradorite: Famous for its transformative energy, Labradorite fosters resilience and spiritual growth. When paired with turquoise, it creates a blend of perseverance and emotional healing.
- Malachite: Often associated with transformation and personal growth, Malachite brings forth abundance while reinforcing turquoise’s nurturing influence.
- Obsidian: A stone of protection, Obsidian grounds and shields, making it an excellent companion to turquoise’s soothing energy, especially during periods of emotional vulnerability.
These combinations can be worn as jewelry, carried as pocket stones, or simply placed together in a space where you seek calm and balance. Mix and match to discover which pairings resonate most with your intentions and energy.
How does Turquoise Balance Male and Female Energies?
Turquoise is renowned for harmonizing the contrasting energies of the masculine and feminine. The vibrant blue hue of the stone is typically associated with masculine qualities. This includes attributes like clarity, assertiveness, and the boundless expanse of the sky, infusing these traits into the wearer or user.
Conversely, the green shades of turquoise embody the nurturing, receptive, and nurturing qualities aligned with feminine energy. This reflects the grounding and nourishing essence of the Earth itself. Together, these colors naturally blend to create a symbiotic balance, promoting a state of inner harmony.
Integration of Energies
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Masculine Energy (Blue Turquoise): Encourages mental strength and confidence. It prompts individuals to express their thoughts clearly and pursue ambitious goals.
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Feminine Energy (Green Turquoise): Fosters emotional healing and growth. It promotes openness to new ideas and compassion for oneself and others.
By integrating these energies, turquoise inspires a balanced expression of both strength and empathy. It guides individuals on a lifelong journey of learning and mastery, where they can grow peacefully by embracing both action and introspection.
How Does Turquoise Affect Emotional Well-Being?
Turquoise is renowned for its ability to restore emotional balance, offering a sense of tranquility and ease. This captivating stone is believed to alleviate stress and infuse a sense of rejuvenation, empowering us to confront life's challenges with renewed vigor.
Promotes Positive Actions
One of Turquoise's significant benefits is its capacity to dissolve destructive impulses like self-sabotage. It encourages seeking proactive, elegant solutions, aligning our actions with what truly benefits us.
Fosters Self-Compassion
The stone invites self-forgiveness and acceptance. By letting go of regrets, we open ourselves to both giving and receiving love, filling our emotional reservoir with positivity.
Enhances Forgiveness
Not only does Turquoise help in forgiving oneself, but it also extends this grace toward others. It fosters a broadened perspective, allowing more empathy and understanding of situations.
Facilitates Open Communication
When dealing with emotional issues, Turquoise paves the way for honest conversations. The blue hues of the stone are particularly effective in fostering transparent communication. Meanwhile, the green shades push us to speak sincerely from the heart, especially in delicate emotional matters.
In essence, Turquoise acts as an emotional support system, guiding us toward balance, empathy, and truthful expression.
Which Zodiac Signs are Associated with Turquoise?
Turquoise is a beautiful gemstone that is linked to specific zodiac signs. If you're curious about which astrological signs are connected to this vibrant stone, here they are:
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Pisces
Each of these signs may find a special resonance with turquoise, as it is believed to enhance their natural energies and attributes. Whether you're looking to harness the qualities of the stone or enjoy its aesthetic appeal, turquoise has a distinct connection to these three zodiac signs.
Turquoise and Sagittarius: A Perfect Pairing
Among these, Sagittarius is especially drawn to the bright blue beauty of turquoise. Sagittarians are known for their optimism, adventurous spirit, and boundless curiosity. They dream big and love to chase after new horizons, making them lively and inspiring companions. However, their quick-moving nature can sometimes lead to communication challenges—they may speak a bit too directly or come across as blunt.
Turquoise, with its calming energy and focus on clear communication, offers a gentle balance for Sagittarius. It encourages thoughtful self-expression and a sense of tranquility, helping Sagittarians temper their straightforward approach with wisdom and empathy. For those born under this sign, turquoise can be a supportive ally in fostering harmonious connections and honest conversations.
By aligning with these zodiac signs—especially Sagittarius—turquoise acts as both a talisman for personal growth and a reminder to communicate with clarity and compassion.
Which Chakras are Associated with Turquoise?
Turquoise is traditionally linked to the throat chakra. This connection emphasizes communication, creativity, and self-expression. By balancing the throat chakra, Turquoise helps facilitate clear and honest communication, making it an ideal stone for those looking to enhance their verbal expression and creative abilities.
Understanding Turquoise: Its Mineral Family and Chemical Properties
Turquoise belongs to the phosphate mineral family, characterized by a basic chemical structure consisting of phosphorus and oxygen in a 1:4 ratio, known as PO₄. By combining with different elements, this structure forms unique minerals, including turquoise itself.
Chemical Properties of Turquoise
- Chemical Formula: The specific arrangement for turquoise is CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈ · 4H₂O. This formula highlights the presence of copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) in the mineral.
- Color Variation: Turquoise can appear in shades of blue or green. Blue hues typically result from copper and aluminum inclusions, while green shades indicate a higher concentration of zinc and iron.
Physical Characteristics
- Crystal System: Turquoise crystallizes in a triclinic system, often found in a massive form rather than distinct, well-formed crystals.
- Hardness: On the Mohs scale, turquoise registers between 5 and 6, indicating moderate hardness, capable of being scratched by harder substances but resistant to softer materials.
- Luster and Opacity: The surface of turquoise can range from waxy to dull in luster, and it is generally opaque.
- Cleavage and Fracture: It exhibits good cleavage and a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture pattern, affecting how the mineral breaks.
- Luminescence: Under long-wave ultraviolet light, turquoise may display a bluish-white luminescence.
Other Notable Features
- Specific Gravity: The density of turquoise ranges from 2.6 to 2.8, contributing to its weight and feel.
- Streak: When streaked on a porcelain plate, turquoise leaves a white to green mark, helping in its identification.
These chemical and physical characteristics define turquoise as a distinct member of the phosphate mineral family, cherished for its vibrant colors and historical significance in jewelry and ornamentation.
Proper Care: Cleansing and Recharging Your Turquoise
Turquoise, while effortlessly enchanting, thrives when given a little thoughtful attention. If you wish to maintain its spiritual potency and preserve its vibrant hues, establishing a gentle care ritual is a wise move.
Cleansing Your Stone
After periods of heavy use—such as following restorative healing practices or simply after a long, trying day—your Turquoise may benefit from a gentle cleanse. The simplest method is washing the stone with lukewarm, soapy water, using a soft-bristled brush (an unused toothbrush works wonderfully for this). Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and dry it promptly to keep the surface lustrous and free from lingering moisture, which can dull its natural beauty.
Energetic Renewal: Charging Turquoise
Once cleansed, Turquoise enjoys an energetic recharge. Smudging with sage or your favorite cleansing herbs helps to purify and revitalize its metaphysical properties. Another favored method is to leave your stone beneath the subtle glow of the moon overnight, allowing it to absorb restorative lunar energy—a time-honored technique for amplifying its soothing resonance.
Preserving Color and Energy
To keep the greens and blues of your Turquoise vivid and true, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can diminish its color over time. A little mindful stewardship goes a long way in sustaining both the energy and allure of this remarkable stone.
How Does Turquoise Form Geologically?
Turquoise is a captivating gemstone that forms under unique geological conditions, predominantly in arid desert regions. The creation of this mineral involves a fascinating interplay of elements and environmental factors.
Key Ingredients for Turquoise Formation
Turquoise forms when specific minerals undergo weathering and oxidation processes. This requires a precise mix of minerals, including:
- Copper Sulfides: Minerals like azurite, chalcopyrite, or malachite are primary sources of copper necessary for turquoise formation.
- Aluminum Minerals: Feldspar minerals, such as fuchsite, provide the needed aluminum component.
- Phosphorus Source: Phosphorus is often derived from minerals like apatite.
These ingredients must reside in the same area, exposed to the elements, to facilitate the weathering process.
The Process of Formation
The process begins with the erosion of these minerals, which are then subjected to chemical weathering. This action leads to the oxidation of copper and the eventual creation of turquoise. Over time, turquoise typically fills or forms crusts within the cavities and veins of igneous rocks.
Depth and Environment
Turquoise is generally found at shallow depths, usually less than 20 meters (66 feet) beneath the Earth's surface. Its formation is heavily influenced by the arid and semi-arid climates where the conditions are just right for chemical reactions to occur over extended periods.
In essence, turquoise is a testament to nature’s ability to create beauty through the slow and steady transformation of minerals exposed to dry, desert climates. This gemstone’s creation is not just a chemical process; it’s a geological marvel.
How is Turquoise Mined and Treated?
Turquoise is a gemstone that captivates many due to its rarity and vibrant color. Mining operations for turquoise are typically small-scale endeavors, often carried out manually with minimal machinery. These operations frequently occur alongside copper mining, making turquoise a secondary product extracted during the pursuit of copper. The relationship between copper and turquoise extraction can significantly impact the availability and retrieval processes of the gemstone.
For instance, the operational dynamics at certain mines can shift, affecting how turquoise is processed. Disputes or changes in agreements can lead to scenarios where turquoise, once collected, is no longer given emphasis and may even be overlooked or discarded in favor of copper, thus heightening its scarcity and value.
Treatment and Imitation
The turquoise market is flooded with imitations. Authentic turquoise is often mimicked by dyed magnesite, plastic, or glass. Among these, dyed magnesite is particularly deceptive due to its similar vein patterns that resemble natural turquoise.
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Genuine Turquoise: True turquoise tends to vary in color, typically displaying irregular hues. Due to its natural softness, it is often enhanced. A light application of wax or oil can enhance its natural luster and hue.
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Stabilization: Many turquoise stones undergo stabilization to improve their durability. This treatment involves infusing the stone with resin to prevent it from crumbling and to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Thus, while turquoise can naturally captivate with its beauty, understanding both its mining practices and the treatments it undergoes can help in discerning genuine stones from their imitations, ensuring collectors and enthusiasts appreciate its authenticity and rarity.
Harnessing Turquoise for Healing and Feng Shui in Everyday Spaces
Incorporating turquoise into your living or working environment can invite a tranquil, refreshing energy that benefits both your surroundings and your spirit. Many who practice Feng Shui believe that turquoise is particularly adept at attracting abundance and encouraging harmonious communication—making it a clever addition to both home and office.
Inviting Calming Energy at Home
Positioning turquoise in common gathering areas, such as the living or dining room, can foster a peaceful atmosphere and support open, heartfelt conversations. The stone’s gentle influence helps soften tensions, providing a sense of serenity even during lively discussions.
Cultivating Focus and Inspiration in the Office
If you’re looking to boost creative energy and clarity in your workspace, place turquoise on your desk or near your main area of activity. Its presence is said to stimulate mental agility and encourage authentic self-expression—useful for brainstorming sessions or crucial meetings.
Nurturing Restful Sleep
For those seeking restful nights, keeping a piece of turquoise near your bed or beneath your pillow is thought to promote deep, restorative sleep. Its soothing vibrations can help quiet an overactive mind, making it easier to drift off peacefully.
Practical Tips for Placement
- In Feng Shui, turquoise is often placed in the wealth corner (the far left corner from your entry point) to enhance prosperity.
- Near entryways, it can serve as a protective talisman, greeting all who enter with calming, positive energy.
- In meditation spaces, turquoise supports mindfulness and gentle self-reflection.
By thoughtfully integrating turquoise into your environment, you create opportunities for balance, healing, and harmony to unfold in daily life.
History of Turquoise
Everyone is familiar with turquoise. It is most commonly associated with religion. This is primarily due to the fact that the Aztec and Mayans considered the stone sacred and had used it in their rituals and put it in their jewelry. They did not react kindly to people taking the stone from the native mines. It was also considered sacred in Egypt, and Tutankhamun's mask bears the stone. The stone is also mentioned as being one of the stones on the Breastplate of Aaron. And finally, some mosques have an abundance of turquoise in their design. The most notable examples are the St. Petersburg Mosque and the Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif. The religious aspects of the stone cannot be ignored, simply.
Due to how old the stone is and its significance, it has become the subject of many myths, legends, and stories. For one, the stone became related to horses for some reason. The stone was said to protect horses from any harm caused from it drinking cold water when it is hot or overworked. Another states, instead, that the horse would have far greater endurance, meaning the horse could not be overworked at all. Turquoise could also protect horseback riders from a nasty fall, should they, for some reason, be taken off the horse. It is possible that mounted warriors carried the stone into battle if they feared being dismounted. Some also argue that such beliefs arose from the Middle East, where it may have been believed that the stone could make the horse more stable. In any case, if a rider would be taken off the horse, the damage would instead manifest on the stone. This is reflected in a story regarding Anselmus de Boodt, who had supposedly fallen off his horse in an accident. The worried de Boodt examined himself for any damage, only to find that he was actually fine, and so was his horse. Later, de Boodt found that his turquoise became fragmented.
Turquoise could also change weather, according to some old myths, seemingly regarding the Greeks, Romans, and some Arab groups. The stone would react and change color according to change in weather. Supposedly, some Southwestern Native American groups would use the stone to encourage rainfall. They would also use it to enhance their accuracy with a bow. Another myth related to the stone changing color is more grim. The stone supposedly would change if the wearer is about to be harmed. Another story was related to a woman who could supposedly restore it to full beauty. Finally, de Boot's turquoise was originally quite dull, but when it was gifted to him by his father, it gradually restored its gorgeous color. With this many hue-shifting anecdotes tied to the stone, it does make one wonder. Well, there is no smoke without fire, as they say. And surprisingly, turquoise is capable of changing color!
Scientific Information
Turquoise Pronunciation: /tɜrkɔɪz/ (tur-koyz)
Hardness: 5-6
Lustre: Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Dull, Earthy
Crystal System: Triclinic
Etymology: From French, turquois, meaning Turkish. This comes from the fact that many Europeans got access to the stone from trade with Turkey.
Location: Nevada, Afghanistan, Chile, Africa, China, and Germany.
Metaphysical Properties of Turquoise
Turquoise has seen use by many people for various reasons. Many use it for protection, finding success, and encouraging prosperity.
- Stone for Protection
- Stone for Success
- Stone for Prosperity
- Stone for Motivation
What Are Common Imitations or Fakes of Turquoise on the Market?
The allure of turquoise often attracts fakes and imitations that can easily mislead buyers. Here are some of the most prevalent substitutes masquerading as genuine turquoise:
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Dyed Magnesite: One of the most convincing counterfeit versions, dyed magnesite mimics the appearance of turquoise with veins of dark matrix running through it. Its visual similarity can deceive even the keen-eyed buyer.
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Plastic: Affordable and versatile, plastic often takes on the guise of turquoise through clever dyeing and molding processes. However, it lacks the weight and cold touch of real stone.
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Glass: Another common substitute is glass, dyed to achieve the signature turquoise hue. While it can look authentic, the texture and heft usually give it away as an imitation.
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Reconstituted Turquoise: Sometimes, lower-quality or smaller bits of real turquoise are ground up, dyed, and then bonded together. This creates a product with a more uniform color, offering the appearance of higher-value turquoise, but it doesn't carry the same natural beauty.
By understanding these common imitations, buyers can make more informed decisions and seek out authentic turquoise that truly stands the test of time.
Turquoise Crystal Healing History and Information
This stone's history is rich and surrounded with plenty of unique and interesting stories. People have worked it into decoration, jewelry, and simply just carry the stone with them. The stone's history is entrenched in the divine and the sacred, always offering some form of protection to those who wear it.
Wearing turquoise as jewelry—be it a necklace close to the throat chakra or a bracelet resting against your pulse—has long been believed to amplify its protective and healing qualities. Many think that having the stone in direct contact with your skin allows its energy to resonate more deeply, encouraging compassion, communication, and a sense of well-being.
If you're looking to enhance turquoise's effects, consider pairing it with stones that share its energy. Lapis Lazuli, with its reputation for wisdom and truth, and Labradorite, known for strength and perseverance, both harmonize beautifully with turquoise. Malachite, a stone of transformation and abundance, and Obsidian, revered for its deep protective qualities, also make excellent companions. Combining these stones is thought to invite a powerful blend of protection, transformation, and clear communication into your life—just as generations past have discovered in their own unique ways.
But turquoise isn't just admired for its lore—it’s also cherished for its soothing, uplifting energy and its versatility in daily life. Each piece of turquoise displays unique patterns and colors, from oceanic blues to greens, often veined with intricate webs of brown or black. These natural designs only deepen its appeal, making every stone a one-of-a-kind companion.
Bringing Turquoise Into Your Life
Home & Office:
Welcoming turquoise into your home is said to invite calm, prosperity, and clear communication. In the office, it’s thought to help attract success and positive energy—perfect for anyone looking to up their game or foster harmonious teamwork. Placing turquoise in communal spaces may also help ease heated debates and encourage everyone to feel heard, thanks to the stone’s association with the throat chakra and open expression.
Rest & Relaxation:
For those seeking restful sleep, some recommend slipping a piece of turquoise under your pillow. Its gentle, calming energy is believed to help quiet the mind and ease insomnia, offering sweeter dreams and deeper slumber.
Personal Empowerment:
If you find it challenging to speak your mind or navigate tough conversations, holding turquoise during these moments can offer comfort and support. Whether clutched in your hand or worn as jewelry, many believe the stone helps channel confidence and clarity right where it’s needed.
Jewelry for Everyday Support:
Turquoise has adorned people for generations, not just for beauty but for its direct, skin-to-stone connection. A necklace keeps the stone near your throat chakra, said to enhance communication, while a bracelet or ring allows its calming presence to pulse with your heartbeat throughout the day.
Pairing turquoise with other stones—such as Lapis Lazuli for wisdom, Labradorite for perseverance, Malachite for transformation, or Obsidian for protection—can further amplify its positive effects and surround you with a symphony of supportive energies.
Whether displayed at home, worn as jewelry, or carried as a talisman, turquoise continues to earn its reputation as both a cherished adornment and a steadfast protector.
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Crystal Physical Healing Benefits of Turquoise
Beyond its spiritual significance, Turquoise is valued for its robust physical healing properties, particularly in the realms of wellness relating to the throat and respiratory system. Known as a supportive stone for the Throat Chakra, Turquoise is often turned to for easing conditions such as sore throats, respiratory discomfort, allergies, and even headaches that extend through the ears, nose, and lungs. It’s a gentle companion for anyone seeking clarity in both voice and breath.
Supporting Immune Strength and Overall Vitality
Turquoise is traditionally associated with fortifying the immune system, thought to aid the body in absorbing nutrients more efficiently. By encouraging a sense of overall well-being, it may help the body fend off inflammation and assist in balancing mood swings—creating a harmonious bridge between physical and emotional health.
A Calming Touch for Body and Mind
The cool, tranquil energy of Turquoise soothes the body, helping to ease tension and promote a deeper, steadier flow of breath. For those who may experience anxious feelings or stress-induced physical symptoms, Turquoise is considered a grounding ally, restoring clarity and calm.
In holistic practice, this gemstone is seen as a tonic for both body and soul, encouraging us to breathe easier, regain our vitality, and step forward with renewed clarity.
Crystals and gemstones are nature's true beauties, but they are not a substitute for seeking professional medical, legal, health, or financial advice. Crystals and gemstones are to be used in conjunction with any professional care you are receiving and do not provide healing, cures, or other remedies modern medicine can provide. The information provided in our listings with regard to the powers of crystals and gemstones are all derived from personal & professional experience with crystals & gems as well as ancient wisdom and texts documenting knowledge gained from civilizations around the world. They are not backed by the FDA or scientific/government resources. Our crystals & gemstones are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or malady. Our crystals and gemstones are also not a replacement for seeking professional legal advice, financial advising, or any other field of professional expertise. Crystals and gemstones are intended to be appreciated for their natural power and beauty, and used alongside modern, professional methods.
Caring for and Cleansing Turquoise
Proper care is essential to preserving turquoise's natural beauty and ensuring its longevity. Because turquoise is relatively soft and porous compared to other gemstones, it requires thoughtful handling and regular maintenance.
To clean turquoise, use lukewarm water with a mild soap and a soft-bristled brush, such as a gentle toothbrush. Scrub lightly to remove any dust or accumulated residue, paying particular attention not to scratch the stone or damage its surface. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any soap and immediately pat dry with a soft, clean cloth to prevent moisture absorption.
Avoid exposing turquoise to harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaning, as these methods can damage the stone. Likewise, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the stone’s distinctive blue and green hues to fade over time, so store turquoise jewelry and specimens in a cool, shaded place when not in use.
For those who wish to "charge" their turquoise energetically, traditional practices include smudging the stone with sage or placing it in indirect moonlight overnight. While these methods hold cultural significance for some, the most important aspect remains proper physical care to retain the stone’s luster and vibrancy.
Sources:
Kozminsky, Isidore. The Magic and Science of Jewels and Stones. New York, The Knickerbocker Press, 1922.
Kunz, George Frederick. The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company, 1913.
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