The Gemstone for December Birthstone Jewelry – Turquoise
The gem used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a blue green mineral that is a phosphate of aluminum and copper. It is an uncommon gem that’s been used in ornamental 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 kings of the Aztecs and the Pharaohs. It was used in lovely ornamental pieces by the Native Americans and Persians. The majority of specimens unearthed are very small, frequently so tiny that they they are only visible with a microscope. High quality turquoise is found 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 mistakenly supposed that the gems originated in that country as they were traded in the bazaars to European merchants. Actually they probably came from Iran or the Sinai Peninsula. It may also have come from the French word pierre turquin which means blue stone. It’s usually found in deposits of copper usually in very dry, arid conditions.
Before turquoise was found in the United States the finest quality gemstones, with a deep blue color, were from Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used in the present day to designate the top quality gemstones. In the latter years of the 19th century turquoise was discovered in the USA with deposits that matched the quality of the Persian gems. Nowadays the US is the largest producer of this lovely gem.
The Use of Turquoise by the Aztecs
The Aztecs used turquoise extensively, often with gold and various other minerals such as jade, jet, malachite and quartz as well as shells and corals. They used it in shields, knives, masks and mosaics. Some fabulous mosaics that survived destruction by the Spanish can be seen at the British Museum.
The Use of Turquoise by the Native Americans
The Pueblo, Apache and Navajo tribes used turquoise as an amulet frequently believing it could influence an archer’s aim. The original turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included carvings, beads and mosaics and it was only from in the last part of the nineteenth century was the distinctive jewelry made from silver produced. Navajo craftsmen started to make jewelry in this type from silver coins for trade with white men.
Looking After Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is moderately soft and needs to be looked after with care to avoid being damaged. It can lose it’s lustre if it is heated, or if it is exposed to to weak acids or sunlight so you should take care to remove any turquoise jewelry before using household chemicals or hot water.
December Birthstone Jewelry
Turquoise is the precious stone for December in the current birthstone jewelry scheme. In traditional systems the birthstones are zircon and ruby. Turquoise jewelry would make a beautiful present whether set in earrings, pendants, rings or charms. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.
