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The Beauty and Mystic Properties of Turquoise

For thousands of years, turquoise has been treasured both for its natural beauty as well as its presumed power to heal. Turquoise has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman. The name Turquoise originates from the word "Turkish" and historically the Turks wore the stones in their turbans for good fortune and decorated their horses and daggers. It was also used by both the North American Native Indians for jewellery and carvings and by the ancient Egyptians as exquisite turquoise adornments since uncovered in tombs.
The colour of turquoise can range dramatically, and is determined by different minerals present in the surrounding earth.
The presence of iron creates a more greenish turquoise, while copper in the area generates a stone that is bluer in appearance. If there is zinc in the adjacent soil, the gem will be greenish yellow. Finally, there is a rare variety found in an area of Nevada where no minerals are present that is known as White Buffalo turquoise. The North American Indian tribesmen believed that in it the light blue of the sky and the brilliant green of the sea are combined giving it mystical powers.
In modern gemstone therapy we are recommended to wear a turquoise or a chain with turquoise beads as a treatment for depression. The turquoise' deep penetrating colour is said to endow inspire shy people with confidence.
It is also often given as a gift, a stone of friendship, for the turquoise is said to be responsible for faithfulness and constancy in relationships.
Turquoise is classified as a semi Precious Stone, sometimes also known as gemstone and is a polished mineral.
For the past several hundred years, gemstones have been broken down into two categories; precious and semi-precious. Though today we think primarily of diamond, ruby, sapphire, and emerald as "precious", these categories are based mainly on fashion and the composition of these two lists has changed frequently over time.
In addition to the relative ease with which it can be drilled for stringing on beads, turquoise has a more mystic property. The stone is believed to have the power to heal. In addition, it is reputed to assist in creativity, in communication and to reduce stress. Turquoise is said to have the ability to detoxify the body, give its wearer a deeper sense of self-knowledge, strengthening relationships, and enhancing friendships, increasing honesty and wisdom.
Care should be taken when cleaning your turquoise jewellery; dousing stones in chemical solvents can cause serious damage to the porous structure.

These gemstones must never be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Instead, mix some warm water and soap, and use a cotton-tipped swab dipped in the solution to gently remove soil, after which the turquoise should be wiped with clear water to wash off any residual soap.

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Information about the Author:

Fiona Bunn is a ceramicist and artist working in Somerset for the last 22 years, specialising in Acrylics, Pyrography and small sculptures in human form. To discuss commissions, or to get advice please visit www.serendipityglastonbury.co.uk