December Birthstone: Turquoise – The Stone of Protection & Wisdom
December’s birthstone, turquoise, is one of the most fascinating and historically significant gemstones in the world. With its captivating blue-green hue ranging from sky blue to sea green, turquoise has been cherished for over 6,000 years by cultures across the globe. This comprehensive guide explores turquoise’s rich history, powerful symbolism, healing properties, and practical uses in jewelry and decor.
Whether you’re a December baby looking to understand your birthstone, a jewelry enthusiast, or simply curious about this enchanting gem, you’ll discover everything you need to know about turquoise’s magic and mystery.
Turquoise ranges in color from sky blue to greenish-blue, often with matrix patterns
Turquoise Through the Ages: A Journey Across Civilizations
Ancient Origins & Discovery
Turquoise’s history stretches back to 3000 BCE, making it one of the first gemstones ever mined. The earliest turquoise was discovered in:
- Sinai Peninsula (Egypt) – Mined as early as 3200 BCE
- Persia (modern-day Iran) – Known as « firozah » meaning « victory »
- Southwest United States – Sacred to Native American tribes
- China – Used in carvings and jewelry since 2000 BCE
Archaeologists have found turquoise beads in ancient Egyptian tombs (including King Tut’s), Mesopotamian artifacts, and Native American burial sites, proving its enduring value across millennia.
Called « mefkat » (joy and delight), used in King Tut’s burial mask and scarab amulets for protection in the afterlife.
Persian turquoise adorned the domes of palaces. The phrase « to wear turquoise is to be safe » originated in Persia.
The Navajo called it « the stone that changes color with the sky » and used it in ceremonial jewelry and healing rituals.
Tibetan monks carved turquoise into prayer beads and used it in mandalas for spiritual connection.
Egyptian Connection: The Stone of the Pharaohs
The ancient Egyptians associated turquoise with:
- Protection: Used in amulets and buried with mummies to guard against evil in the afterlife
- Divine Connection: Represented the goddess Hathor and was called « the stone of the heavens »
- Healing: Ground into powder and ingested as medicine for various ailments
- Status Symbol: Only royalty and high priests could wear turquoise jewelry
One of the most famous examples is the Turquoise Scarab Beetle found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, symbolizing rebirth and protection.
Persian Influence: The Stone of Victory
In Persia (modern-day Iran), turquoise was:
- Called « firozah » meaning « victory » – warriors wore it into battle for protection
- Believed to change color to warn of impending danger or illness
- Used to decorate the domes of palaces and mosques
- Given as gifts to celebrate victories and important life events
The Persian proverb « To own turquoise is to have happiness » reflects its cultural importance. The finest Persian turquoise, with its pure blue color, was traded along the Silk Road to China and Europe.
Native American Significance: The Sky Stone
For Native American tribes, particularly the Navajo, Zuni, and Apache, turquoise was sacred:
- Connection to Spirit: Called « the sky stone » or « the stone that fell from the sky »
- Healing Power: Used in medicine bundles and healing ceremonies
- Protection: Worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune
- Wealth Symbol: Used as currency and in trade between tribes
The Navajo believed turquoise was a piece of the sky that had fallen to earth, and it was often combined with silver in their iconic jewelry designs. The Zuni created intricate turquoise inlay work that is still highly valued today.
The Deep Symbolism of Turquoise
Spiritual and Cultural Meanings
Across cultures and centuries, turquoise has been revered as a stone of:
In many traditions, turquoise was considered a « master healer » stone that could align all the chakras and protect against all manner of evil.
Protection and Wisdom: The Guardian Stone
Turquoise’s protective qualities are legendary:
- Ancient Warriors: Persian and Native American warriors wore turquoise amulets into battle, believing it would protect them from injury and death.
- Travelers: Medieval travelers carried turquoise to protect against accidents and robberies.
- Horses: In the American West, turquoise was often attached to horse bridles to prevent falls and injuries.
- Modern Use: Many still wear turquoise as a protective talisman, especially when traveling or during times of stress.
The stone is also associated with wisdom and truth. In many cultures, it was believed that turquoise would:
- Reveal lies and deceit
- Enhance intuition and insight
- Promote honest communication
- Help in making wise decisions
Healing Properties: The Master Healer
Turquoise has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and energy healing. Its believed benefits include:
Physical Healing Properties
- Immune System: Believed to strengthen the immune system and aid in recovery from illness
- Anti-inflammatory: Used to reduce inflammation and pain, especially in joints
- Detoxification: Thought to help cleanse the body of toxins
- Respiratory Health: Used to treat lung ailments and allergies
- Headaches: Said to relieve migraines and tension headaches
Emotional and Spiritual Benefits
- Stress Relief: Calms the mind and reduces anxiety
- Emotional Balance: Helps stabilize mood swings and depression
- Spiritual Growth: Enhances meditation and spiritual attunement
- Confidence: Boosts self-esteem and courage
- Creative Expression: Stimulates artistic and creative energies
Chakra Association
Turquoise is primarily associated with the throat chakra (communication) and third eye chakra (intuition), but its balancing properties make it beneficial for all chakras. It’s often called the « bridge » between heaven and earth, connecting the physical and spiritual realms.
Cultural Beliefs and Modern Significance
Turquoise continues to hold special meaning in modern times:
- Native American Jewelry: Still highly prized in Southwestern U.S. jewelry, often combined with silver
- Feng Shui: Used in home decor to attract wealth and protection
- New Age Practices: Popular in crystal healing and meditation
- Fashion: A staple in bohemian and southwestern style jewelry
- December Birthstone: The official birthstone for December babies
In many cultures, turquoise is still given as a gift to:
- Celebrate new beginnings (births, weddings, graduations)
- Wish someone good health and protection
- Mark important life transitions
- Express love and friendship
Practical Uses of Turquoise: From Jewelry to Home Decor
Turquoise in Jewelry: Timeless Elegance
Turquoise’s vibrant color and durability (5-6 on the Mohs scale) make it perfect for jewelry. Here are the most popular ways to wear it:
💍 Rings
Statement rings with large turquoise stones or delicate bands with small inlays. Often combined with silver in Native American designs.
📿 Necklaces
From simple pendants to elaborate beaded necklaces. Turquoise and silver combinations are classic.
💎 Earrings
Studs, dangles, or chandelier earrings. Turquoise earrings add a pop of color to any outfit.
👯 Bracelets
Beaded bracelets, cuffs, or charm bracelets. Stackable turquoise bracelets are trendy.
👂 Brooches
Vintage turquoise brooches are highly collectible, often featuring intricate designs.
👳♂️ Men’s Jewelry
Turquoise rings, cufflinks, and money clips are popular in men’s fashion, especially in southwestern styles.
Jewelry Styles:
- Native American: Silver and turquoise combinations with traditional designs
- Bohemian: Free-form turquoise pieces with natural matrices
- Vintage: Art Deco and Victorian turquoise jewelry
- Modern: Minimalist turquoise pieces in gold or rose gold settings
Turquoise in Home Decor: Natural Beauty
Turquoise’s calming color makes it perfect for home decor. Here are creative ways to incorporate it:
🖼️ Wall Art
Turquoise-inlaid frames, paintings with turquoise accents, or turquoise stone mosaics create stunning focal points.
🏺 Vases and Bowls
Turquoise ceramic vases or bowls with natural stone inlays add elegance to any room.
🧶 Textiles
Turquoise-colored rugs, throw pillows, or curtains bring a calming energy to living spaces.
🕯️ Decorative Objects
Turquoise figurines, bookends, or candle holders make beautiful accent pieces.
🪨 Natural Stone
Raw turquoise stones or slices can be displayed in bowls or used in terrariums.
🛋️ Furniture Accents
Turquoise upholstery, throw blankets, or turquoise-painted furniture add vibrant pops of color.
Feng Shui Uses:
- Place turquoise in the east for family harmony
- Use in the southeast to attract wealth
- Display in the north for career success
- Keep near entryways for protection
How to Care for Your Turquoise: Preservation Guide
Cleaning Your Turquoise Jewelry
Special Care for Different Turquoise Types
Not all turquoise is created equal. Here’s how to care for different types:
- Natural Turquoise: More porous and delicate. Needs extra protection from moisture and chemicals.
- Stabilized Turquoise: Treated to enhance durability. Can handle slightly more wear but still needs care.
- Reconstituted Turquoise: Made from turquoise powder. More durable but less valuable.
- Turquoise with Matrix: The brown/black veining is natural. Clean gently to preserve the matrix pattern.
Pro Tip: If your turquoise starts to look dull, you can gently rub it with a soft chamois cloth to restore its luster. For deep cleaning, take it to a professional jeweler.
When to Seek Professional Help
Take your turquoise jewelry to a professional if you notice:
- Loose stones or damaged settings
- Significant color fading or discoloration
- Cracks or chips in the stone
- Dullness that doesn’t improve with cleaning
A jeweler can:
- Repair settings and prongs
- Restabilize the stone if needed
- Polish the stone to restore its shine
- Advise on proper care for your specific piece
Incorporating Turquoise into Your Life
💎 Wearing Turquoise
Turquoise jewelry can be worn for:
- Everyday elegance with simple studs or pendants
- Special occasions with statement pieces
- Spiritual connection as a protective amulet
- Fashion statements in boho or southwestern styles
Styling Tip: Pair turquoise with neutrals (black, white, beige) for elegance, or with other bright colors for a bold look.
🎁 Gifting Turquoise
Turquoise makes a meaningful gift for:
- December birthdays (official birthstone)
- 11th anniversaries (traditional gift)
- Graduations (symbol of wisdom and success)
- New beginnings (housewarming, new jobs)
- Travelers (for protection)
Gift Idea: A turquoise bracelet with a personal message about protection and good fortune.
🏡 Turquoise in Your Home
Incorporate turquoise into your living space for:
- Calming energy in bedrooms
- Creative inspiration in offices/studios
- Protection near entryways
- Wealth attraction in southeast areas
Decor Idea: Place a turquoise stone on your desk to enhance focus and creativity.
🎨 Creating Your Own Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is a fantastic stone for DIY jewelry projects. Here are some ideas to get started:
Beading Projects
Turquoise beads come in many shapes and sizes:
- Round beads for classic necklaces
- Chip beads for boho bracelets
- Nuggets for natural-looking designs
- Faceted beads for elegant pieces
Wire Wrapping
Wire wrapping allows you to create unique pieces without soldering:
- Wrap turquoise cabochons in silver wire for pendants
- Create wire-wrapped turquoise rings
- Make turquoise and pearl combinations
Stone Setting
For more advanced jewelry makers:
- Bezel settings for turquoise cabochons
- Prong settings for faceted turquoise
- Channel settings for turquoise inlays
Carving and Sculpting
Turquoise is soft enough to carve (Mohs hardness 5-6):
- Create turquoise animal carvings
- Make turquoise worry stones
- Carve turquoise talismans and amulets
Beginner Tip: Start with turquoise beads and simple stringing projects before moving to more complex techniques like wire wrapping or stone setting.
Turquoise Buying Guide: What to Look For
💎 Quality Factors
- Color: Most valuable are pure blues (« Persian blue ») to greenish-blues
- Matrix: Brown/black veining can add character (called « spiderweb » pattern)
- Texture: Smooth, waxy luster is ideal
- Hardness: 5-6 on Mohs scale – durable but needs care
💰 Value Factors
- Natural vs Treated: Natural is most valuable; stabilized is more affordable
- Origin: Persian, Egyptian, and American turquoise command premium prices
- Size: Larger stones are rarer and more valuable
- Cut: Cabochons are most common; faceted stones are rarer
🛒 Where to Buy
- Reputable Jewelers: Look for GIA-certified turquoise
- Gem Shows: Best for unique, high-quality pieces
- Online Retailers: Check reviews and return policies
- Native American Markets: For authentic handmade jewelry
⚠️ Red Flags
- Prices that seem « too good to be true »
- Sellers who can’t verify origin or treatments
- Stones with unnatural, uniform color
- No certification or appraisal documentation
Turquoise in Modern Culture
🎬 Turquoise in Movies and TV
Turquoise has made appearances in popular culture:
- « The Lone Ranger »: Tonto’s turquoise and silver jewelry
- « Indiana Jones »: Turquoise artifacts in temple scenes
- « Breaking Bad »: Walter White’s turquoise-colored car
- « Westworld »: Turquoise used in Native American storylines
🎵 Turquoise in Music
Turquoise appears in song lyrics and album art:
- « Turquoise » by Halsey – A song inspired by the stone’s color
- « Blue Turquoise » by The Black Keys – Blues-rock track
- Joni Mitchell’s album covers – Often feature turquoise colors
- Grateful Dead’s iconography – Incorporates turquoise in their psychedelic art
👗 Turquoise in Fashion
Turquoise has been a fashion staple for decades:
- 1950s: Turquoise and coral jewelry was all the rage
- 1970s: Boho chic featured turquoise heavily
- 1990s: Southwestern style brought turquoise back
- 2020s: Turquoise is popular in both vintage and modern designs
Designers like Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford have featured turquoise in their collections, and it remains a staple in bohemian and southwestern fashion.
FAQ: Your Turquoise Questions Answered
Turquoise was officially designated as December’s birthstone in 1912 by the American National Association of Jewelers, though it had been associated with December for centuries before that. Its wintery blue-green color was thought to represent the cold December skies while providing warmth and protection during the darkest month of the year.
The rarest and most valuable turquoise color is a pure, even blue without any green tint, often called « Persian blue » or « robin’s egg blue. » This color comes from turquoise mined in the Nishapur region of Iran (formerly Persia). The absence of iron (which causes green tones) makes this blue particularly prized.
The price of turquoise varies greatly depending on quality, origin, and treatment:
- Natural Persian turquoise: $50-$1000+ per carat
- American turquoise: $20-$300 per carat
- Stabilized turquoise: $5-$50 per carat
- Reconstituted turquoise: $1-$10 per carat
High-quality natural turquoise with no treatments and rich blue color commands the highest prices.
Yes, turquoise can change color over time due to:
- Exposure to light: Can cause fading
- Body oils and chemicals: Can alter color (especially perfumes and lotions)
- Moisture: Can cause greenish discoloration
- Natural aging: Some turquoise darkens with age
This color change was actually valued in some ancient cultures as a sign that the stone was « working » to protect its wearer.
Most turquoise on the market today is stabilized:
- Natural turquoise: Untreated, more porous, often softer. Rare and expensive.
- Stabilized turquoise: Treated with polymers to enhance durability and color. More affordable and common.
- Reconstituted turquoise: Made from turquoise powder bonded with resin. Least valuable.
- Treated turquoise: Dyed or enhanced in other ways. Should be disclosed by sellers.
Stabilization is a common and accepted practice that makes turquoise more durable for everyday wear.
The most famous turquoise mines include:
- Nishapur, Iran: Produces the finest « Persian blue » turquoise
- Sleeping Beauty Mine, Arizona: Known for its pure blue color with no matrix
- Kingman Mine, Arizona: Produces turquoise with beautiful matrix patterns
- Morefield Mine, Arizona: High-quality blue-green turquoise
- Egyptian Mines: Some of the oldest turquoise mines in the world
- Chinese Mines: Produce turquoise with unique greenish-blue hues
Here are ways to identify real turquoise:
- Color: Should be blue to green-blue (not bright artificial blue)
- Matrix: Natural turquoise often has brown/black veining
- Temperature: Should feel cool to touch (plastic feels warm)
- Weight: Turquoise is relatively heavy for its size
- Scratch Test: Can scratch glass (hardness 5-6) but don’t try this on finished jewelry
- Certification: Reputable sellers provide certificates of authenticity
When in doubt, have the stone examined by a professional gemologist.
Turquoise is considered one of the most powerful healing stones in metaphysical traditions:
- Protection: Creates an energetic shield against negative influences
- Healing: Supports the body’s natural healing processes
- Communication: Enhances honest and clear communication
- Spiritual Growth: Facilitates meditation and spiritual attunement
- Prosperity: Attracts wealth and good fortune
- Balance: Harmonizes yin and yang energies
Many believe turquoise helps align all chakras and connects the physical and spiritual realms.
Resources for Turquoise Enthusiasts
📚 Books
- Turquoise: Understanding & Using This Crystal Companion – Comprehensive guide to turquoise’s properties and uses
- The Turquoise Trail: Native American Jewelry of the Southwest – Explores the history and craftsmanship of Native American turquoise jewelry
- The Curious Lore of Precious Stones – Includes fascinating historical information about turquoise
🌍 Websites
- GIA Turquoise Information – Gemological Institute of America’s comprehensive guide
- USGS Turquoise Information – U.S. Geological Survey data on American turquoise deposits
- Mindat Turquoise Page – Detailed mineralogical information and mine locations
🎥 Documentaries and Videos
- The History of Turquoise – PBS documentary on turquoise’s cultural significance
- Turquoise Mining in Arizona – Behind-the-scenes look at American turquoise mines
- Native American Turquoise Jewelry – Exploration of traditional craftsmanship
🏛️ Museums with Turquoise Collections
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Features ancient turquoise artifacts
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Egyptian and Persian turquoise jewelry
- Heard Museum (Phoenix) – Extensive Native American turquoise jewelry collection
💎 Ready to Experience Turquoise’s Magic?
Whether you’re a December baby looking for your perfect birthstone jewelry, a collector seeking rare specimens, or simply someone who appreciates natural beauty, turquoise offers something special for everyone.
Explore our curated collection of authentic turquoise jewelry, home decor, and healing stones to find your perfect piece today!
P.S. December babies get 10% off their first turquoise purchase! Use code DEC10 at checkout.
Final Thoughts: The Enduring Allure of Turquoise
From ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern fashion icons, turquoise has maintained its status as one of the world’s most beloved gemstones. Its stunning color, rich history, and powerful symbolism make it far more than just a pretty stone – turquoise is a connection to our shared human heritage and the natural world.
Whether you wear it for its beauty, its protective qualities, or its spiritual significance, turquoise brings a piece of Earth’s magic into your life. As the birthstone of December, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the darkest month with light, color, and positive energy.
So why not invite a little more turquoise into your world? Whether through jewelry, home decor, or simply appreciating its natural beauty, this remarkable stone has been bringing joy to humanity for thousands of years – and it’s ready to do the same for you.
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