Turquoise has captivated people for over 6,000 years with its signature blue-green hue. It is a precious gemstone that has adorned the tombs of pharaohs, the crowns of kings and queens, and the jewellery boxes of people worldwide. However, many people don’t realise that not all turquoise is created equal. While deposits of this precious stone can be found all over the globe, Persian turquoise, which comes from ancient mines in Persia, now modern-day Iran, stands out for its exceptional quality and unique characteristics.

Archaeological evidence reveals that prehistoric civilisations crafted Persian turquoise into amulets, ritual beads, and glittering adornments. These ancient people recognised the stone’s beauty and believed it possessed mystical powers. Persian turquoise symbolised wealth, status, and power for centuries and was only available to the elite. It was often used to decorate the thrones and palaces of rulers and even today; it remains a prized possession in many cultures.

The name turquoise itself has a fascinating history. It is derived from the French phrase “Pierre torques,” which means “Turkish stone.” The French believed the stone was imported from Turkish bazaars, hubs for trading these Azure Iranian gems to medieval Europe. However, the origin of turquoise is much older than the French imagined, and the stone has been found in many parts of the world, including the United States. American turquoise, particularly from the Southwest, has unique characteristics and is highly sought after by collectors worldwide.

For centuries, Native American tribes have been mining and crafting turquoise into jewellery, pottery, and other decorative objects. Many of these tribes believe that turquoise has spiritual and healing properties and use it in traditional ceremonies. American turquoise’s unique colours and patterns reflect the landscapes and cultures of the regions where it is found, making each piece of American turquoise a unique work of art.

Turquoise remains a popular gemstone in contemporary jewellery design, with jewellery designers and collectors valuing the stone for its beauty and cultural significance. Whether it’s Persian turquoise, American turquoise, or turquoise from other parts of the world, this precious stone continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide.

Persian turquoise has been highly valued throughout history for its unique and unrivalled quality. It is widely recognised as the finest turquoise in the world and has been sought after by royalty, artists, and collectors for centuries. Its superiority lies in its composition, colour, and rarity.

Persian turquoise is formed in copper-rich host rocks, which give it a distinctive blue-green hue and a unique texture. The copper content also makes it harder and more durable than other types of turquoise, which can be brittle and prone to cracking. This makes Persian turquoise ideal for jewellery making and other decorative purposes.

Moreover, the colour of Persian turquoise is more vibrant and intense than other varieties of turquoise. The blue-green colour is deeper and richer, with a distinct glow that is hard to replicate in different stones. This is due to the unique geological conditions under which Persian turquoise is formed, which include the presence of iron and other minerals that give it its distinct colour.

In addition to its unique composition and colour, Persian turquoise is rare and difficult to find. It is only found in some areas of Iran, such as the Nishapur and Neyshabur mines, which have produced turquoise for over 2,000 years. This limited supply has made Persian turquoise a highly coveted gemstone, with prices reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars per carat.

While other countries such as China, Mexico, and the United States produce turquoise, their stones do not compare to the quality of Persian turquoise. Chinese turquoise, for example, is often treated with chemicals to enhance its colour and stability, which can reduce its value. Mexican turquoise, on the other hand, is known for its greenish tint and lack of intensity.

So, Persian turquoise reigns supreme due to its unique composition, vibrant colour, and rarity. Its superior quality has been recognised for centuries, making it a highly prized gemstone that collectors and jewellery makers seek.

Hardness and Durability

Regarding hardness and durability, Persian turquoise reigns supreme compared to other types of turquoise from around the world. This is due to the unique geological conditions under which Persian turquoise is formed, which include the presence of copper-rich host rocks that give it a distinct advantage over other varieties of turquoise.

The copper content in Persian turquoise makes it harder and more durable than other types of turquoise, which can be brittle and prone to cracking. This also means it can be carved and shaped into intricate designs without risking breaking or damaging the stone. The hardness of Persian turquoise makes it more resistant to scratches and other forms of wear and tear, making it an ideal gemstone for jewellery and other decorative purposes.

The durability of Persian turquoise has been recognised for centuries, as evidenced by the many historical artifacts found in Iran and surrounding regions. These artifacts include jewellery, pottery, and other decorative items that feature Persian turquoise, which has survived for centuries and are still admired for their beauty and durability.

Furthermore, the unique geological conditions under which Persian turquoise is formed also give it a distinctive texture that collectors and jewellery makers highly seek. The texture of Persian turquoise is often described as “spiderweb” due to the intricate network of veins that run through the stone. This texture is highly prized for its beauty and rarity and can only be found in Persian turquoise.

In comparison, other types of turquoise from around the world, such as Chinese and Mexican turquoise, are often softer and more brittle than Persian. This means they are more prone to cracking and breaking and less suitable for intricate carving and shaping. Additionally, these types of turquoise may have undergone treatments to enhance their colour and stability, which can reduce their value and durability.

Persian turquoise stands out for its remarkable hardness and durability, which make it one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world. Its unique composition, texture, and colour also give it a distinct advantage over other types of turquoise, making it a highly prized gemstone that collectors and jewellery makers cherish.

Artistry and Prestige

Persian turquoise is considered one of the most precious and sought-after stones in the jewellery world. Its unique and vibrant blue-green colour, rarity, and cultural significance make it a genuine gemstone of artistry and prestige. Unlike other turquoise stones found in different parts of the world, Persian turquoise stands out for its superior quality due to the geological conditions in which it is formed.

One of the main factors contributing to the exceptional quality of Persian turquoise is its origin. The stone is primarily mined in Iran, where it has been extracted for centuries. The mines in Iran produce some of the finest quality turquoise in the world due to the specific geological conditions present in the region. The stones are formed in copper-rich host rocks, which give them their distinctive blue-green colour and unique patterns.

Its hardness and durability are another factor that sets Persian turquoise apart from other turquoise stones. Persian turquoise is harder and more durable than other turquoise varieties, making it ideal for jewellery-making. It is less likely to crack, break, or change colour over time, which ensures that the jewellery made from it will last for generations.

Moreover, Persian turquoise is valued for its cultural and historical significance. It has been used in jewellery and decorative arts for centuries, dating back to ancient Persia. The stone was highly prized by royalty and nobility, who considered it a symbol of wealth, power, and protection. Even today, Persian turquoise remains a symbol of prestige and luxury and is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine jewellery.

In conclusion, Persian turquoise is a gemstone of exceptional quality, beauty, and cultural significance. Its unique blue-green colour, durability, and history make it a valid symbol of artistry and prestige. While other turquoise stones may be found in different parts of the world, none can match Persian turquoise’s superior quality and value.

A Natural Piece of Persian Turquoise from Amitis Art

Amitis Art is not just a place that sells natural Persian turquoise. Still, it’s also a platform that aims to educate people about the history and significance of this precious gemstone from the renowned Nishapur mine. The Nishapur mine, from where we source our turquoise, is located in northeastern Iran and has been producing turquoise for at least 2,000 years. This mine is known for its unique and rare turquoise stones, characterised by their striking blue-green colour and lack of matrix.

At Amitis Art, we believe in fair trade practices and work closely with local artisans who create beautiful and intricate jewellery using our natural Persian turquoise. Our collection includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, all one-of-a-kind and handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail.

We also offer customised jewellery pieces for those who want something unique and tailored to their taste. For that, please email us at info@amitisart.net or contact the WhatsApp number HERE. Whether you are looking to treat yourself or gift someone special, Amitis Art’s jewellery collection is sure to impress. So, why wait? Visit our website today to explore our exquisite natural Persian turquoise jewellery collection.

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Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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