Natural Arizona Turquoise 25x27 freeform cabochon tq17

Turquoise
Mohs hardness 5-6. Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Turquoise was among the first gems to be mined, and while many historic sites have been depleted, some are still worked to this day. These are all small-scale, often seasonal operations, owing to the limited scope and remoteness of the deposits. Most are worked by hand with little or no mechanization. However, turquoise is often recovered as a byproduct of large-scale copper mining operations, especially in the United States.
The substance has been known by many names, but the word turquoise was derived around the 16th century from the French language turquie, for material which was early imported through Turkey. The pastel shades of turquoise have endeared it to many great cultures of antiquity: it has adorned the rulers of Ancient Egypt, the Aztecs, Persia, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and to some extent in ancient China since at least the Shang Dynasty. For at least 2,000 years, Persia, has remained an important source of turquoise. Since at least the First Dynasty (3000 BCE), and possibly before then, turquoise was used by the Egyptians and was mined by them in the Sinai Peninsula, called "Country of Turquoise". Despite being one of the oldest gems, turquoise did not become important as an ornamental stone in the West until the 14th century, following a decline in the Roman Catholic Church's influence which allowed the use of turquoise in secular jewellery. Since finer turquoise is often found as thin seams, it may be glued to a base of stronger foreign material as a means of reinforcement. These stones are termed "Backed" and it is standard practice that all thinly cut turquoise in the Southwestern United States is backed.

TURQUOISE - increases serenity, protection, meditation energy, wisdom, balance, honest communication, strength, friendship and love. Considered to be generally healing and fostering of empathy, positive thinking and sensitivity. Connects us with all life.
Turquoise - to attract prosperity and success, to have the power to influence creative powers, and to enhance the ability to communicate. The stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. It is said that turquoise can help balance the throat chakra, increasing resistance to viruses and helping to relieve sore throats, lung infections and the affects of allergies. Turquoise tones, strengthens entire body , aids tissue regeneration, circulation, and the respiratory system. It aids with creative expression, peace of mind, emotional balance, communication, friendship, and loyalty.

December modern birthstone: turquoise, blue topaz, or tanzanite