December Birthstone Color
Turquoise obtained its name from the French phrase "pierre turquoise" which means "Turkish stone". There are others who believe that its name is derived from the word "fiouze" which is Persian for the color turquoise. As early as 6000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians have mined Turquoise.
A lot of people are amazed when they find out that the best and finest turquoises are actually mined in Iran and not in the American Southwest. There are beautiful specimens, however, which are found in New Mexico and Arizona in the United States. There are also good varieties in Afghanistan, Australia and other areas in the Middle East.
Considered as Sacred Stones for a long time in the past, turquoise has been valued as a talisman, a holy stone and a good-luck charm. In 3000 B.C., when Egyptian tombs were excavated, archaeologists discovered the oldest living proof of the interest of man in turquoise. The gemstone was used in the ancient times as decorative artifacts, which were buried with those who died. As Queen Zer's tomb was unearthed in 1900, one of the first pieces of jewelry that was discovered was on her wrist - it was a gold and turquoise bracelet.
In ancient Persia, these sky blue gemstones were actually worn around people's necks or on their hands to serve as a protection from unnatural and sudden death. They believed that if the color of the gems changed, it was a sign of imminent danger for the person wearing it.
Turquoise also held a sacred position in the North American Indians' religious rites, as well with the Tibetans' belief, whose shamans always included the gems in their ceremonies and rituals. Turquoise has been said to have the ability of promoting spiritual and mental clarity for the enhancement of wisdom, kindness, trust and understanding.
Presently, Turquoise is believed to have the power of promoting prosperity. It is also considered as a good-luck charm for flight staff, aviators and other people who want to ward off accidents.
The happy and bright color of this gemstone is also said to have the ability of giving self-confidence to people with passive personalities. It is also used as a popular token of friendship, since it has the reputation of being able to bring about faithfulness in relationships.