|
Mohs Hardness:
5-6
Specific Gravity:
2.84
Reflective Index:
1.62
December Bithstone:
Wealth
Some say that in the thirteenth century,
Turquoise was named in the mistaken belief that it came from
Turkey. Others say that the name comes from the Persian
word for Turquoise, firouze, since Persia has been a major
source of this gemstone for thousands of years. In any
case, the
blue of this gemstone is so vivid and distinct
that it has given its name to the color.
Turquoise is formed by the action of
percolating groundwater in aluminous rocks where copper is
present, as in the vicinity of copper deposits.
In general the bluer the blue, the more
highly valued. A clean, even texture without mottling or veins is
also preferred, however some people like their
Turquoise with
veins, or "spider webs", which sets off
the color. It is December's birthstone and a traditional gift for
an 11th
anniversary.
Treatment: Commonly stabilized with
paraffin wax or resin; sometimes dyed (Amulet sells undyed
Turquoise with
no chemical additives)
Lore Turquoise has been a treasured
gemstone around the
world for thousands of years. It was used for
beads by the
Egyptians as early as 5500 BC. In many cultures,
Turquoise
is regarded as a harbinger of good fortune,
success and health. Aztecs and Egyptians considered it a
symbol of prosperity. In India, one was to wear a Turquoise
on the little finger and look at the gem after seeing the
new moon to gain great wealth. According to American
Indians,
the stone brought together the spirits of sea and
sky to
bless warriors and hunters; a Turquoise arrowhead
assured
accurate aim. A Navajo belief is that a piece of
Turquoise
cast into a river will cause rainfall. Ancient
doctors exploited the stone's medicinal potential by
making it into
paste to treat ailments of the hip. The
Egyptians also mounted Turquoise in Silver to treat eyes
suffering from cataracts.¡@
|
