Turquoise is a rare and valuable opaque, blue-to-green mineral. Its name has been derived from the old French word ‘turqueise’ meaning ‘Turkish Stone’ as turquoise originally found its way to Europe from Persia via Turkey during the time of the crusades.

Turquoise – like most other soft and porous gemstones – has been devalued by the introduction of imitations, some difficult to detect even by experts. Dyed howlite (or magnesite) is often mistaken for turquoise. Howlite has more of the ‘black’ lines than a turquoise. Finding traces of copper in a piece of turquoise,  will assure you of true turquoise.

Turquoise has been an important gemstone in different cultures. People in Greece and Turkey wear it as a talisman, and they often adorn the bridles of horses or donkeys with turquoise. A small turquoise is usually immediately given to an infant, as protection against ‘the evil eye’.

In ancient Egypt, turquoise was a sacred and highly valued gemstone. In Tibet, turquoise is often worn as a talisman and amulet, together with coral – which symbolizes the incarnations of the Buddha.

There is certainly a need for turquoise as a friendship stone in this time. People who suffer from depression are recommended to wear a turquoise or a chain of turquoise beads. Its cheerful color is said to endow them with more confidence.
Turquoise is especially useful for individuals (and animals) who experience difficulties in having social contacts with other people. Turquoise is a good help to learn to intuitively feel the difference between good and evil, it particularly helps in distinguishing positive from negative contacts. Negativity will be warded off and only good company is attracted.

Turquoise works very gently, and is an ideal gift for a loved one. Its warm, friendly aura reaches out from the giver to the person who receives it.
Turquoise is an ideal protector for people who tend to travel often, it will protect them against accidents and hazards. Everyone should actually have a turquoise in their car as a protector. It works!

Turquoise should be protected from cosmetics, soap, dishwater, heat and bright light. The color may become slightly pale when the stone has been worn for a long time. It should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.