Birthstones
Stones: Natural Synthetic
Turquoise

Turquoise

The December Birthstone

Turquoise is one of the "official" birthstones for December. Turquoise is an opaque blue-green gem that is formed from hydrated copper aluminium phosphate. Natural turquoise is rare however you can buy good quality synthetics at a much lower price.

Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone and can be damaged easily. Gentle polishing can bring out the best in the stone. It is also vulnerable to solvents such as some cosmetics. Various treatments exist to improve its durability and colour.

The name Turquoise originated from its discovery in Turkey by European crusaders. It is also sometimes known as callaite.

Symbolism and Lore

Turquoise has been used for both decorative and ritual purposes for thousands of years. Probably the most famous turquoise gems are those that were found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. His spectacular burial mask, which has now come to symbolise ancient Egypt, was inlaid with much turquoise.

Turquoise has often been credited with magical or mystical properties. It was a favourite of poets and turquoise stones were sometimes inscribed with holy verses. It was also a popular material for making magical amulets.

It has also been said that turquoise is a protective stone, especially useful when travelling - either on the material or astral plane. This coud be why it was so abundant in tombs such as that of Tutankamen, to protect the pharoah in his journey to the next world.

The colour of turquoise has led it to be associated with the sky and the element of air.

Turquoise features in Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice where the movement of a turquoise ring between characters helps to drive the plot. At one point Jessica sells the ring for a monkey - a real live monkey, not five hundred pounds!