The Westport Library Resource Guides: Turquoise: Healing Stones

Mineral Composition

Turquoise is a hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate [CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O] rock that is extensively used as a gemstone. It is a secondary mineral deposited from circulating waters, and it occurs chiefly in arid environments as blue to greenish, waxy veinlets in alumina-rich, weathered, volcanic, or sedimentary rocks. Turquoise was obtained from the Sinai Peninsula before the 4th millennium BC in one of the world’s first important hard-rock mining operations. It was transported to Europe through Turkey, probably accounting for its name, which is French for “Turkish.” Highly prized turquoise has come from Neyshābūr, Iran. Numerous deposits in the southwestern United States have been worked for centuries by American Indians. Turquoise also occurs in northern Africa, Australia, Siberia, and Europe.

The colour of turquoise ranges from blue through various shades of green to greenish and yellowish gray. A delicate sky blue, which provides an attractive contrast with precious metals, is most valued for gem purposes. Delicate veining, caused by impurities, is desired by some collectors as proof of a natural stone. Continue reading from Encyclopedia Britannica

Historical Uses

Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet, and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil.

The gem’s name comes from the French expression pierre tourques, or “Turkish stone.” The name, which originated in the thirteenth century, reflects the fact that the material probably first arrived in Europe from Turkish sources.

Turquoise was a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange for Native American tribes in the southwestern US. They also used it in their jewelry and amulets. The Apaches believed that turquoise attached to a bow or firearm increased a hunter’s or warrior’s accuracy. Continue reading from Gem Institute of America

Metaphysical Properties

A great deal of turquoise symbolism and lore involves predicting danger. Some believe turquoise stones can warn their owners by breaking, like malachites supposedly do. Color changes presumably warn of impending illness. In one tale, a man believed he had broken a bone. Later, he discovered his turquoise had made the cracking sound he heard. It took the injury in his place. Also like malachite, turquoise can supposedly protect from falls, most especially from horseback. Affixing this gem to a horse's bridle can protect the animal, as well. Turquoise's use as a "horse amulet" appears to be an ancient magical practice.

The Apache highly prized duklij, turquoise, for its talismanic properties. They carved amulets, beads, pendants, and fetishes from this material. If Apache shamans didn't possess this stone, they wouldn't receive proper recognition from their tribes. One popular belief connected turquoises and rainbows. If you could find the end of a rainbow after a storm, searching the damp earth would yield a turquoise. The Navaho used ground turquoise and coral to make sacred sand mandalas to summon rain. Continue reading from Gem Society

Being a Throat Chakra stone, Turquoise helps to heal all issues in that area. If you have a sore throat, respiratory issues, allergies, migraines, and other physical ailments that run through the ears, nose, throat, and lungs, then Turquoise is ever keen to lend a hand. This stone is deeply connected to the breath and as it brings a soothing cool water touch, it can help the breath and lungs find a deeper flow meaning that everything from bronchial issues to panic attacks are well and truly kept at bay. Overall, Turquoise works best as a strengthening stone and is full of anti-inflammatory properties which can help rheumatism and other issues. Continue reading from Tiny Rituals