Turquoise, its name originating from the French expression "pierre turquin" or "Turkish stone," reflects the trade routes through which it traversed centuries ago, originating from mines in modern-day Iran (formerly Persia) and finding its way to Europe via Turkey.
Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Persians adorned themselves and their sacred places with Turquoise. The ancient Egyptians mined Turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula as early as 6,000 BCE, using it in jewellery, amulets, and burial masks. The Persians believed it protected riders from falling off horses, leading to its popularity in horsemanship culture.
In Native American cultures, Turquoise holds profound spiritual significance. Tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo revered it as a symbol of wisdom, protection, and connection to the spirit world.
Turquoise is thought to promote communication, enhance intuition, and bring balance to the mind and body. Turquoise is associated with spiritual attunement and alignment of the chakras, particularly the throat chakra. By facilitating clear communication and self-expression, Turquoise may aid in the purification of one's voice and intentions, helping individuals speak their truth and align with their higher spiritual purpose. Additionally, it's been used for protection against negative energies.
The colours of Turquoise vary depending on the presence of minerals in its formation. Copper content lends the stone its blue hues, while the presence of iron contributes to its green shades. The most sought-after Turquoise often comes from deposits in Iran, the southwestern United States (particularly Arizona and New Mexico), China, and Tibet.