Stone Lore on Turquoise

Turquoise is the birthstone of December and ranks on the Mohs scale between 5 and 6. In other words, it's a fairly soft stone and needs to be treated with care. Keep it wrapped up and away from other jewelry that might scratch it.

Turquoise was, by most accounts, the first gemstone to be mined, as early as 3000 B.C. It's been used by ancient Egyptians and the Chinese who have always been a major source of the stone. For at least 2000 years, Iran (formerly Persia) has been an important source of Turquoise.

The lovely deep pastel color of the stone has made it a favored stone of many ancient cultures such as the Aztecs, the rulers of Ancient Egypt, the people of Mesopotamia, and the pre-Columbian people of South America and Mexico. For both modern and Ancient peoples Turquoise has been regarded as a holy stone and/or a stone of great luck.

In the U.S. the American Indians have always revered this stone. It is sacred to them and has been carved into animals and birds and placed into tombs to protect the dead and to bring the good spirits. Medicine men would use it for healing and warriors would use it to insure their arrows flew true.

Interesting fact, around the beginning of the 17th century, it was a stone worn almost exclusively by men. In fact to be considered to be properly dressed, a man had to wear a turquoise ring. Women very rarely wore it.

These days however, it is treasured and worn by both sexes, although in the United States it is a stone that is more popularly worn by men in the south west region.

Folklore of this gorgeous and ancient gem include the power to attract money, to bring luck, love, healing and courage.