 The name Turquoise comes from the 13th century French expression pierre torques, meaning Turkish Stone. Turquoise was introduced to Europe via Turkish traders on the silk road, leading to its association with Turkey and ultimately, its name. The oldest known mines are in the Middle East since 6000BC. The muslim countries, Persia or modern day Iran. turquoise was used as jewelry, inlayed in furniture, wooden bowls, mosaic floors and walls. The use of Turquoise spread from the Middle East to India, where it is used in the Taj Mahal walls. In Central America, the Aztecs used it to create sacred objects, masks and ceremonial knives. The Anasazi of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, traded turquoise as well as create art. The Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache tribes used turquoise in jewelry and sacred objects. In China, turquoise is carved as statues & jewelry USA: Southwestern United States Matrix: The web-like patterns found within the turquoise, vary significantly in color and thickness from mine to mine, distinguishing different types of turquoise. Color: Blue is the most prized color, American turquoise also comes in various shades, including green, and can feature yellow, red, or brown matrix. Stabilization: Much of the raw turquoise mined today is "stabilized" by infusing it with epoxy resin to enhance its durability and color, a common practice at the Kingman mine. Rarity - easily obtained, high grade turquoise - talk to a specialist. Warning - Turquoise is often faked - dyed howlite, plastic, matrix painted on low quality turquoise. Dyed howlite is smooth. It does not have the rough, waxy texture of turquoise Use acetone and a Qtip - With a Qtip dipped in acetone, gently rub it along the matrix of the turquoise to see if you can erase it. Look for repeating patterns in the turquoise you are buying. Turquoise pieces do not loo alike. Repeating patterns means it is plastic. Moh’s 5-6  To find more locations for the Turquoise mines, Google Southwestern Turquoise mines USA.
Arizona: Kingman Mine is a major producer of bright blue nuggets with black matrix Bisbee Mine was historically famous for its vibrant 'Bisbee Blue'. Nevada: Number Eight, Lander Blue, Lone Mountain, and the Royston district, which produces a variety of colors and patterns. Colorado: The Manassa mine is a significant producer of unique, often translucent, turquoise. New Mexico: The Cerrillos mines, one of the oldest sources of turquoise, are located in New Mexico. Folk Lore Navajo, Dine - Navajo legend says that the female goddess Estsanatlehl, the symbol of creation, protection, and abundance, appeared to people as a drop of turquoise. Other legends say that this goddess lives in turquoise house and wears turquoise jewelry. The Navajo used ground turquoise and coral to make sacred sand mandalas to summon rain. With its blue and brown colors the stone symbolized the earth and sky coming together and the joining of female and male energies. Apache - highly prized turquoise, for its talisman properties. They carved amulets, beads, pendants and fetishes. Medicine men were required to possess turquoise for their work. It is believed if you can find the end of a rainbow after a storm, searching the damp earth would yield a turquoise. Turquoise was used in shield, weapons and bridles for warriors going into battle. The virtue is thought to instill tranquility and promote wisdom. Other legends believed turquoise helps the user communicate and manifest wholeness and truth. Virtues Protection stone - use the stone to pray for protection enables communication from the highest source of love supports the thymus chakra over the breastbone In healing layouts place over the heart, throat, or thymus area to ease breathing and open the flow of emotional expression Wear over the upper chest as personal and psychic protection What do you think of Turquoise? Have an amazing week! Stay safe and keep your heart open and aligned with the energy of LOVE! Auriel Grace
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