Turquoise -- A favorite gemstone
1. Long ago Europe bought turquoise from Turk traders, thus giving turquoise its name. Since the color of turquoise resembles the sky, turquoise beads were often used in religious jewelry. Thus, turquoise has always been associated with blessings from the gods.
2. Turquoise was used as a healing stone in many cultures across the world. The sick were given simple turquoise necklaces to help them heal. Royalty wore turquoise to promote a longer life. In some cultures turquoise was ground up and consumed as a miracle cure-all.
3. It was a long believed superstition that if a person's turquoise beads changed color it meant that ill health or misfortune had fallen upon them. Modern science has proved that turquoise beads change color for a number of reasons, but none of them have to do with health or luck. Heat, chemicals, and dirt can permanently damage the color of turquoise beads.
4. Turquoise can be found all over the world. No matter what the culture, turquoise beads are always considered fashionable. So don't be afraid to try something different. As long as your design has turquoise beads you can't go wrong.
5. The most valuable turquoise beads come from Persia and the United States. Sadly, most of the mines in these areas are depleting quickly. China has more turquoise beads than anywhere else.
6. Sky-blue turquoise beads are the most sought after of all the many shades turquoise comes in. Ironically, blue turquoise beads are also the most porous and absorbent of all the turquoise colors. If too much dirt and oil is absorbed, beautiful blue turquoise beads could turn an unsightly green.
7. Turquoise is formed by ground water seeping through aluminum rock and copper. It takes millions of years for a decent amount of turquoise deposit to build up. Sadly, this doesn't bode well for the demand of turquoise beads and jewelry. Just how much high quality turquoise is left in the world is unknown, but many turquoise fans fear a “drought” is close at hand.
|
