Turquoise

The Tech
Variety: Turquoise (Phosphate mineral)
Chemical Composition: Copper and Aluminum
Hardness: 5-6
Specific Gravity: 2.76(-.45+.08)
Refractive Index: 1.61-1.65
Color: Blue, blue-green, green
Where Found: One of the first gems to be mined. Iran, Egypt, and China. In US, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada.

The Folklore
Native Americans associate it with the blue sky and the green earth. It is known as the ’Traveler’s Stone’ and is prized by those who travel by land. They believed that wearing turquoise resulted in happiness and security. Is said to possess healing and protective powers, attracts luck, love, and money.

One of three birthstones for December

The Aesthetics
While it is most commonly associated with Native American craftsmen working in sterling silver, I love the turquoise set in 18K gold. I recently purchased a few fine pieces from The Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona- the pair of round cabochons and have a wonderful basket weave carving. Look for these earrings later this year- set in yellow gold and diamonds!