Turquoise
Symbol: Protection
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms when water carrying copper and aluminum seeps slowly through rock over long periods. Its color ranges from sky blue to green depending on the balance of copper to iron in the stone.
Where It Comes From
Iran is one of the oldest and most historically prized sources, giving rise to the term "Persian turquoise." It's also mined on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and in the southwestern United States.
What Different Peoples Believed
| People | What It Symbolized |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egypt | Inlaid in Tutankhamun's burial mask and other royal treasures. |
| Persian tradition | Used to cover the domes of mosques and palaces as a symbol of the heavens. |
| Navajo and Pueblo traditions | Used in jewelry as a mark of protection and status. |
Birth Month
Turquoise is one of the official modern birthstones for December, alongside zircon and tanzanite.