Turquoise - The Gemstone for December Birthstone Jewelry

The gem used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a bluish green mineral which is a phosphate of aluminum and copper. It's an uncommon gem that's been used in decorative work and jewelry for thousands of years and was worn from about 6000 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. It was a prized gemstone worn by the Aztec kings and Pharaohs. It was also used in lovely ornamental and decorative work by the Native Americans and Persians. The majority of specimens mined are very small, often so small that they need a microscope to be visible. The best quality turquoise is mined in Iran, Australia, Afghanistan, Arizona, New Mexico and in the South West regions of the US.

The name turquoise is thought to derive from the French word that means Turkey as it was wrongly supposed that the precious stones originated in that country as they were traded in the bazaars to merchants from Venice. Actually they almost certainly came from the Persia (now Iran) or the Sinai Peninsula. It might also have arisen from the French word for dark blue stone, pierre turquin. It is often found in copper deposits usually in arid, dessert conditions.

Before turquoise was discovered in the US the finest quality gemstones, with an intense blue color, were found in Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used these days to denote the top quality stones. In the last part of the nineteenth century turquoise was found in the United States with deposits that rivaled the quality of the gemstones from Persia. Today the USA is the biggest producer of this lovely precious stone.

The Use of Turquoise by the Aztecs

Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, often with gold and many other minerals such as malachite, jade, quartz and jet as well as corals and shells. They used it in masks, shields, knives and mosaics. Some superb examples of mosaics that were not destroyed by the Spanish Invaders can be seen at the British Museum.

The Use of Turquoise by the Native Americans

The Navajo, Apache and Pueblo tribes used turquoise as a talisman frequently believing it could influence the aim of archers. The original turquoise jewelry fashioned by Native Americans included carvings, beads and mosaics and only from in the last part of the nineteenth century was the typical jewelry made from silver produced. Navajo artisans started to make this type of jewelry from silver coins for trade.

Taking Care of Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise is moderately soft and must be looked after carefully to prevent it from being scratched. It can lose it’s lustre if heated, or exposed to weak acids or sunlight so you need to be careful to take off any turquoise jewelry before using household chemicals or hot water.

December Birthstone Jewelry

Turquoise is the gem for December in the modern birthstone jewelry scheme. In traditional systems the birthstones are zircon and ruby. Turquoise jewelry would make a gorgeous gift whether set in necklaces, earrings, rings or pendants. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.