Iranian Turquoise, one of the most recognizable and continually fashionable gemstones, has existed since around 6,000 BC. Persia is known for having some of the world’s oldest natural turquoise mines. According to legend, the first kinds of turquoise were initiated into Western culture via the Silk Road, at which Persian turquoise (Iranian turquoise) would become available to Western Asia, Europe, and America from cities such as Nishapur, Tous, Pamhgan, Neyshabur, and Baghdad, among others. Turquoise was critical in protecting Persians as they travelled the Great Silk Road to market it widely and extensively over 2,000 years ago. Turquoise from Persian mines is considered the most excellent and purest quality.

Persian turquoise is mined in several locations throughout modern-day Iran. The stones of all mining areas have a wide range of colours. Many mines were worked near Nishapur, which is located 225 miles to the east of the southern end of the Caspian Sea and near old caravan routes. Persian turquoise (Iranian turquoise) has been highly valued in the Middle East for centuries. Strong evidence shows that these mines were massively acted on at the start of the 10th century. However, there is also supporting evidence that a few of the mines close to the surface were marginalized as early as 2100 B.C.

Economical Asset

Persian turquoise has been used as jewellery for hundreds of centuries and will most likely be used for thousands more. This has been generating revenue for the country, uplifting its economy. Persian turquoise mines in Iran are primarily concentrated in Neishabour, near Mashhad, where there are over 100 caves for excavation. Iran also has a good quality mine in Damghan (Bagho Mine) and a recently opened mine in Kerman, from which selling is prohibited.

The Persians classified turquoise into three types. Anqushtari were fine ring stones. These are first-rate substances, suitable for the most expensive jewellery. These stones were a deep blue (Persian blue) with virtually no marks or matrix. Barkhaneh were intermediate-quality Persian turquoise stones. This is low-grade turquoise, similar to Angushtari; however, it has more identifying marks and matrices. Lastly, Arabi was made of Persian turquoise stones, which were pale, greenish, or had matrix spots. Due to a pale blue or green colour or unwanted speckles, such stones were considered third-rate. Spots in Persian turquoise (Iranian turquoise) are usually white rather than black. These are sold, and their prices are valued according to their quality.

Iranian Turquoise: The Most Valuable Turquoise

The most valuable turquoise colour is a uniform and intense medium blue, also known in the trade as Robin’s egg blue or sky blue. The traditional source of this colour is the Nishapur region of Iran, also known as Persian blue. Persian turquoise (Iranian turquoise) is well-known for its clarity and colour, also known as “Robin’s Egg” blue. The second variety is known as a matrix. Iranian turquoise may have matrix veins extending across it. Spiderweb turquoise is a material with a delicate lining of the matrix that shapes attractive web-like patterns.

There are many Persian turquoise mines in Nishapur, Iran. Listed below are a few that are known and verified

• Abo Ishaghi: This old cave, which is said to be the oldest, was closed 50 years ago. It had the finest quality of turquoise, which was also extra hard, allowing cutters to generate particular forms with sharp points. Abo Ishaghi is another name for this cut. Some people also refer to it as Abdo Al’Razaqi.
• Rokni – This mine had high-quality turquoise and was excavated underground to the mountain’s peak.
• Chah (that indicates shaft in English): It is currently active; the workplace contains water, which they must pump out every time they work; the work is difficult, but the quality is excellent. Turquoise is very hard and dense, with a deep blue tone. Some cut stones are available in the market, but only a few dealers have them. They are primarily flawless, have an excellent lustre, and polish well.
• Ghare Sabz (named due to the trees surrounding it, not the colour of the turquoise): These have a dark blue turquoise colour and mainly veins of turquoise, and the hardness is also excellent. This cave remains under construction.
• Khak Ghermez – This mine is famous for its “Robin’s Egg Blue” turquoise and a mid-blue turquoise cut to remove any matrix. This is most likely the world’s most well-known Persian (Iranian) turquoise.

Resourcing in Other Ways

Turquoise is used by Iranian artists in a variety of media, which include calligraphy and handicrafts. Turquoise jewellery has long been popular throughout the Middle East. Tibetans regarded it highly and used it in China in the thirteenth century BCE. Hole et al. (1969) discovered the first Persian turquoise artefacts in western Iran’s Deh Luran Plain. According to radiocarbon dating, turquoise beads discovered in burial sites in the Ali Kosh and Mohamad-Djaffar areas stretch back to 7000 BCE and 6500 BCE, respectively. These turquoise jewels came in various shapes and sizes, including beads, necklaces, and piercings.

The most intriguing collection of turquoise beads was discovered in one of the burial mounds from the Mohamad-Djaffar zone, at which two beads and a piercing known as a labret were found. The perfectly polished beads were discovered near the neck, while the labret was discovered near the breastbone.

Good Fortune

Iranian turquoise undoubtedly has numerous monetary and industrial benefits, but to top it all, these gems are also believed to bring good fortune to your life. Many cultures have valued it since it supposedly brings prosperity to your life. It has a deep connection with vibrations and related spiritual stuff.

Now is the Time to Get Your Turquoise!

We’re sure after reading all of this fascinating information about Iranian turquoise, you need to get one for yourself. You’re lucky because AmitisArt has the most authentic Iranian turquoise and the largest selection of Persian jewellery, including rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. So, click the link https://amitisart.net/shop now to browse our extensive collection of styles.

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Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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