The gem used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a bluish green stone that is a phosphate of aluminum and copper. It’s a rare gem that has been used in decorative work and jewelry for many thousands of years and was worn from roughly 6000 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. It was a valued gemstone worn by the kings of the Aztecs and the Pharaohs. It has also been used in beautiful ornamental pieces by the Native Americans and Persians. Most specimens unearthed are extremely small, frequently so tiny that they they are only visible with a microscope. Gemstone quality turquoise is found in Iran, Australia, Afghanistan, Arizona, New Mexico and in the South West regions of the US.
The name turquoise is believed to come from the French word that means Turkey as it was wrongly supposed that the precious stones came from that country as they were traded in the markets to European merchants. Actually they probably came from the Iran or the Sinai Peninsula. It may possibly also have come from the French word pierre turquin, meaning dark, blue stone. It is often found in copper deposits typically in arid, dessert conditions.
Before turquoise was found in the United States the highest quality gems, with an intense blue color, came from Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used these days to denote the finest quality stones. In the latter part of the 19th century turquoise was discovered in the United States with deposits that were the equal of the quality of the Persian gemstones. Nowadays the US is the biggest producer of this beautiful precious stone.
The Use of Turquoise by the Aztecs
Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, frequently with gold and several other minerals such as jade, jet, malachite and quartz as well as corals and shells. They used it in shields, knives, masks and mosaics. Some splendid examples of mosaics that survived destruction by the Spanish can be seen at the British Museum.
Use of Turquoise by the Native Americans
The Navajo, Apache and Pueblo tribes used turquoise as a charm often believing it had power to perfect the aim of archers. The original turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included turquoise beads, mosaics and carvings and it was only from from the end of the 1800′s was the typical silver jewelry made. Navajo artisans started to make jewelry in this type from silver coins for trade.
Looking After Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is moderately soft and must be looked after carefully to prevent it from being damaged. It can become dull if heated, or exposed to sunlight or weak acids so you should be careful to take off any turquoise jewelry before using household chemicals or hot water.
December Birthstone Jewelry
Turquoise is the gemstone for December in the modern birthstone jewelry system. In traditional systems the birthstones are zircon and ruby. Jewelry set with turquoise would make a gorgeous gift whether set in earrings, pendants, rings or charms. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.
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- Turquoise – an Attractive Gem used in Silver Jewelry
- Gemstones, Some of the greatest beautiful jewelry is ready using semi-precious gem stones. A rock mineral is a mineral, a gem or a petrified substance that is cut or faceted and polished prior it be able to be worn in jewelry.
- What is my Zodiac Birthstone
- Things You Should Recognize Round Gemstones
- Origins of Modern Birthstone Jewelry
- Alexandrite – The Gemstone for June Birthstone Jewelry
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