TURQUOISE

MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The turquoise is a greenish-blue phosphate, formed by hydrated aluminum phosphate and copper. It is normally found in arid environments, in oxidation zones of copper deposits, in seams and in phosphate-rich shale veins.

The name of turquoise comes from the French word "pierre turquoise", referring to its commercial entry into Western Europe through Turkey in the 16th century.

The turquoise has an important historical value since it is one of the stones that have been found used as ornamentation in very ancient civilizations, such as in the Ancient Egyptian, in the pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures, the Civilization from the Indus Valley and China.

The turquoise appears in massive or microcrystalline habit, and rarely in the form of crystals. Its color can vary from light blue to green, depending on the amount of iron and copper it contains. It may also contain inclusions of other minerals such as limonite, pyrite and chalcedony. It can also be found together with the crisocola and the malachite.

Deposits: United States, Iran, Mexico, Egypt, China, Peru, Poland, Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan and Kenya.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES

The turquoise is one of the main blue minerals associated with the throat area. It favors the balance of communication and expression. It is also associated with the third eye, enhancing meditation and intuition. Its energy is soft and fresh, making it a stone that is also suitable for children.

The turquoise is considered a healing and protective stone. Since ancient times it was used to make amulets. Promotes rest and vitality. On a physical level, it is said that it stimulates the regeneration of the body's tissues.