The Uses Of Turquoise
The uses of turquoise have been well known for over 6000 years!
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This stone was even used in ancient Egypt and jewelry set with this beautiful stone have been uncovered in tombs. It is also used extensively by Native Americans for protection and healing. This semi precious stone can range in color from brilliant sky blue to green and has veins of black or brown running through it. When it is used in jewelry it is often put in a sterling silver setting but can be quite striking in gold. Turquoise stones can be strung as beads, carved into animal fetishes and combined with a large range of other stones in jewelry including amethyst, pearls, coral, amber, and onyx.
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The uses of turquoise as a healing stone are far ranging. It is said to cure stomach ailments, headaches, eye problems, fevers and stings from insects. It's power wasn't limited to the wearer as many have ground it up into a powder and drank the powder to help with stomach problems.
There are significant metaphysical uses of turquoise too. This harmoniizing stone is said to help in friendships and to alleviate nervousness when speaking. It is reputed to be helpful in problem solving and relieving the stresses of a hectic life or job. It is a stone that protects and some cultures find that it is recommended to always carry a turquoise stone with you.
Turquoise can be found in China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Persia. In North America, it is found in the dry areas of Arizona and New Mexico. The stone can be rather porous and chalky and may not be suited for jewelry use unless it is treated. Some treatments include "stabilizing" it with a resinous substance and is quite common for jewelry as only 3% of stones mined can be used in their natural form. Stabilization helps to keep the stone from chipping and prevents changes in color from contact with oils on the skin (not that this is necessarily a bad thing as natural turquoise can develop a beautiful patina over time). Some of the lower quality stones are dyed to enhance color and these are not as desirable as the stabilized but undyed stones. Some jewelry may be made with reconstituted turquoise which is ground turquoise from inferior stones that is molded together with epoxy resin, dyed and pressed into stonelike forms - they look good but don’t have the value of a real stone.
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