DECEMBER BIRTHSTONES: 1 Turquoise

December babies are blessed with 3 birthstones to choose from – turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. This blog will review the properties of Turquoise.

The name Turquoise is French – meaning Turkish. Turquoise originally came to Europe along the trade routes from the East via Turkey. For centuries it has been a symbol of nobility, wisdom and immortality. It has been, and continues to be, an important adornment amongst many cultures including Aztecs, Incas, Native Americans, Egyptians, Persians and Tibetans. Turquoise was the first gemstone to be mined by any civilisation – the Egyptians of the Sinai Peninsula in 6000 BC. Turquoise beads dating to 5000 BC have been found in Iran.

Turquoise is porous and soft (Mohs 5 to 6) and so can be prone to damage. It is a hydrous phosphate of aluminium and copper. Careful jewellery design is required if placing in rings or bracelets. It lends itself more easily to settings in earrings or necklace pendants. Its colour ranges from sky-blue to green.

Turquoise is a stone of strength and self-acceptance. It is particularly effective in supporting the throat chakra, clear hearing and communication. In addition to being the traditional December Birthstone, Turquoise is the customary 11^th Wedding Anniversary gift.