Turquoise Meaning and Healing Properties (2024)

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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

 

THE BASICS --

There's no better way to celebrate special days in December than with a stunning turquoise. Beyond its captivating color, turquoise holds symbolism and significance that transcend its physical beauty. Whether it is for a birthday, anniversary, holiday gift or just to say congratulations, I love you or you're special, a turquoise ring or other turquoise jewelry can be the perfect choice.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• What is Turquoise?
• Turquoise Color
• Turquoise Mines
• Turquoise Meanings
• Ancient Beliefs
• Leadership
• Celebrity Symbolism
• Turquoise Healing Properties
• Healing Energy
• Stress Relief
• Spiritual Connection
• Turquoise History
• Finding a Turquoise Ring
• Other December Birthstones

What is Turquoise?

Also known as callais, turquoise is a stunning blue-green mineral with a chemical complex that includes aluminum, copper and phosphate. Unlike many other gems, this stone is opaque and while purely colored, plain gems are the most valued, strong inclusions that create a delicate marbling or web texture in the stone in shades of white, brown or black can be just as desirable.

Turquoise Color

Rich blue hues are the rarest and most valued of all turquoise colors, but this stone can be readily found ranging from pale whitish to many shades of blue, including robin's egg, powder and sky blue. Greenish tones are often the least desirable and can range from apple green to yellow-green, and can still make stunning jewelry.

“Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
— Chloe G verified buyer

Turquoise Mines

Historically, turquoise mined in Iran and throughout Persia has been the most valued, and the stone is still mined in many areas of the Middle East, including Egypt and Israel. Turquoise is also heavily mined in the dry, arid regions of the southwestern United States, with productive mines in Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. Elsewhere in the world, turquoise is mined in China, India, Chile, Turkestan, Australia, Mexico and Afghanistan.

Turquoise Meaning

• Ancient Beliefs

Turquoise has been a powerful stone for millennia, believed to represent heaven and offer good fortune, luck, strength and empowerment to those who wear it. Many cultures believe turquoise can ward off the evil eye or foretell death, and the stone is also believed to offer protection against falls and accidents.

• Leadership

Turquoise is also believed to help promote leadership, ambition and success. Not only is turquoise a symbolic stone for December birthdays, but it is also associated with the eleventh wedding anniversary and the Zodiac sign Sagittarius.

• Celebrity Symbolism

For those who love the glamour of Hollywood, you can enjoy a turquoise ring knowing it is a favorite of many celebrities and royalty.  This style has adorned the fingers of top names including Cher, Heidi Klum, Sissy Spacek and Jennifer Lawrence.



Turquoise Healing Properties

• Healing Energy

Turquoise is associated with physical healing, particularly in aiding issues related to the throat, lungs, and respiratory system. It's believed to have anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

• Stress Relief

Wearing turquoise is said to help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, offering a soothing and calming influence.

• Spiritual Connection

This stone is often associated with spiritual growth and awareness. It's believed to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and connection to higher consciousness.

Turquoise History

Turquoise has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for thousands of years, and was particularly prominent in ancient Persia and Egypt, where it decorated the roofs of celebrated mosques and was worn by Egypt's royal pharaohs. In the New World, Aztecs used turquoise in mosaics and masks, and the stone has been used by many Native American peoples in amulets and pendants, including the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes.

Finding a Turquoise Ring

Today, turquoise is popular in all types of jewelry, from beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings to stunning turquoise rings. It may be mounted with silver or white gold for a cool appearance, but it is equally popular in yellow gold and rose gold for warmer, more romantic designs. Turquoise is especially popular in Victorian rings for its bold color and how stunningly this stone pairs with the luster of pearls. Turquoise accents are often found in geometric patterns on intricate antique rings, and it may also be part of inlays with opal and mother-of-pearl in many vintage rings.

Other December Birthstones:

While Turquoise is the most popular of the December birthstones, it is not the only option for celebrating December birthdays and special occasions with a little sparkle. Tanzanite, Zircon and Topaz are also considered December birthstones, and have other blue tones that can mark this month in beautiful ways.