With its azure blue dotted with dark veins, turquoise is a highly sought-after stone, especially for ethnic jewelry. Its color makes it one of summer's favorites, evoking blue skies and the carefree spirit of vacation. It pairs beautifully with cool metals like white gold or silver, which best complement its blue hues. That said, turquoise-set gold jewelry in a bohemian ethnic style is becoming increasingly popular.
Etymologically, the word "turquoise" means "Turkish stone" and derives from the country of the same name. When it was brought back to Europe during the Crusades, it was believed to have originated in Turkey - when in fact Turkey was merely a stopover and the turquoise was actually mined in Persia.
Prized for thousands of years, this gem was especially popular in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and both North and South America. It was primarily used as a protective stone and ornament, adorning countless pieces of jewelry, masks, cult objects, and pieces like the turquoise ring.
Turquoise, the stone that gave its name to the color, is a gem whose symbolism shifts subtly from one culture to the next. It represents wealth in Tibet, spiritual power in the Muslim world, regeneration in Egypt, and a sacred stone and currency in the Americas. Across most cultures, turquoise served as protection against evil spirits and as a good-luck charm. It is also a gem associated with wisdom, luck, and happiness.
Finally, as the birthstone for December, turquoise also marks 18 years of wedding anniversary.
To this day, turquoise is used in jewelry and fine jewelry, particularly in the creation of tribal and ethnic pieces. It appears most often in summer jewelry, such as the men's turquoise ring. It can also be found on cufflinks and belt buckles. The world of decorative objects is no exception either, with many turquoise-adorned creations including statues, vases, boxes, and more.
In terms of mining, turquoise is found mainly in aluminous rocks located in arid and desert regions. The primary deposits are in Mexico and the United States, but the finest stones are extracted in Iran. It is also found in Afghanistan, Israel, Brazil, China, Argentina, Australia, and Tanzania.
Turquoise is a relatively fragile semiprecious stone with a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and a density of 2.6 to 2.9. Composed of aluminum and copper phosphate, it belongs to the aluminum phosphate group. It is a porous and brittle mineral with a triclinic crystal structure.
In terms of appearance, turquoise is an opaque gemstone with a waxy luster, displaying a wide range of shades from light blue to blue-green, and even apple green. The exact hue depends on its mineral composition: copper intensifies the blue, while chromium and vanadium bring out the green. Iron, for its part, produces yellow and green tones. Additionally, this stone very often features veining of varying darkness (from beige to black or brown). These veins are caused by other minerals that have settled into the crevices of the turquoise.
On a spiritual level, turquoise is a stone that brings well-being and comfort, calming and rebalancing the mind. It transforms negative energy into positive energy and helps combat stress, anxiety, and nightmares. It builds self-confidence, encourages communication, and is said to protect travelers - making the turquoise bracelet an effortlessly wearable jewelry piece.
On a physical level, turquoise helps the body eliminate toxins and strengthens the immune system. It can relieve respiratory issues, support digestion, and soothe insect bites. It is used to regulate the nervous system and ease migraines, and is also said to help treat respiratory illnesses, viral infections, and bacterial infections.
Turquoise is a fragile stone that doesn't hold up well to intense heat or strong light exposure - both can dull its color. You should also keep it away from household cleaners, cosmetics, perfumes, sweat, and oils. When you're not wearing your turquoise jewelry, store it safely in a fabric pouch or a box, separate from other stones and jewelry.
To clean turquoise, simply soak it in warm, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. Finish by gently drying the stone with a soft cloth.

Whether you're shopping for someone special or treating yourself, Ocarat offers an extensive selection of men's and women's jewelry. Signet rings, necklaces, bracelets, and much more are waiting for you in our online jewelry store. Whatever your taste or style, Ocarat is where you'll find the jewelry of your dreams.
When you shop with Ocarat, you'll also enjoy a range of great benefits, including unbeatable prices and flexible payment options. You'll also have the option to return any item within 30 days if it doesn't meet your expectations.
The distinctive color of turquoise - ranging from light blue to blue-green - sets it apart from other semiprecious and precious stones. That said, it's important to be wary of gemstones that have undergone special treatments.
This fragile stone requires special care and, above all, protection from external damage - without it, the stones risk deteriorating quickly and losing their color. When not being worn, your turquoise-set jewelry should be kept away from light and stored separately from other jewelry and stones.
Azure blue and light blue are the most sought-after shades of turquoise, though the choice ultimately comes down to personal taste. Your selection will also be guided by the shape and color of the veining, which is what makes each stone unique. It's also worth favoring stones that have not been treated or enhanced.
Ocarat's online jewelry store offers a wide selection of turquoise-set jewelry in every style. For each piece, Ocarat provides a detailed product description to guide your purchase and give you all the information you need.
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