Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for the month of December. Here are a few interesting facts about the stone for those who celebrate birthdays this month.
- Turquoise is one of the first gem materials used by mankind -
Egyptian royalty were wearing turquoise jewelry as early as 5500 BC.
- This gemstone has been attributed with healing powers, good fortune, and providing protection and good luck to the wearer.
- Historically, the finest turquoise was mined in Iran, known as Persian
turquoise. Today, the United States in the major source, as well as
China, Chile, Australia, and Mexico.
- Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or a blue-green, sometimes containing narrow veins of other materials. This network is known as the matrix.
- The most valuable turquoise is an even medium blue, with no matrix, and the ability to take a good polish.
- Turquoise is porous and relatively soft, making it susceptible to discoloration by the absorption of oils and pigments. Today, most turquoise has been color stabilized, or treated with wax, plastic resins, or sodium silicate to prevent absorption.
Images: Tiffany & Co. turquoise Elsa Peretti ring, Courtesy: Tiffany; Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise Alhambra necklace, Courtesy: VCA.
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