Persian turquoise is known as Firoozeh in Iran, which means victory in Farsi. It gets its name in English from a French word that means ‘Turkish’ as it was first sourced to Europe through Turkey, but its roots are Iranian. Turquoise is one of Iran’s national gems. Here are some interesting facts about turquoise or, if you want to get in Persian spirit, Firoozeh.

History of Turquoise

Turquoise has been used since around 6000 BC, making it one of the most well-known and ever-popular gemstones. Persia is known for having the world’s oldest natural turquoise mine (Nishapur mine), which is still in operation. The Silk Road, which connected Persian cities such as Nishapur, Tous, and Damghan to Asia Minor and Europe, is said to have introduced the first types of turquoise into Western culture.

Turquoise was valuable to Persians because they believed it could keep them safe while travelling the Great Silk Road for over 1,000 years. Turquoise from Persian mines is considered the finest and purest in the world.

1. Nishapur Turquoise

The formation of turquoise is an intriguing topic to delve into, but we’ll stick to the basics here. Turquoise is typically found at a shallow depth. First, water seeps into splintered terrains, dissolving the copper layers as it passes through. It warms up in the depths and eventually returns, enriched in aluminium and phosphorus. Finally, copper, aluminium, and phosphorus bond allowing turquoise deposits to form in nearby fractures. This is a slow process that could take millions of years to complete.

The Nishabur turquoise mine is the most significant in Iran and is globally known for its superb quality. There are many other turquoise mines in Iran, but due to the small quantity and bad quality, their mined turquoise is not as well-known as the one in Nishabur (Neyshapur). 

2. Varieties of Persian Turquoise

Turquoise is classified into two types based on its texture:

• Clear: The most valuable turquoise has a uniform sky blue colour with no matrix. This colour is also known as Persian blue Because its traditional source is the district of Nishapur in Persia.

• Matrix: Turquoise may also have a matrix running through it. Spider web turquoise comprises fine matrix linings that create appealing web-like patterns.

3. Persian Turquoise in Persian Culture:

For Iranians, Persian turquoise jewellery is more than just a fashion statement; it is inextricably linked with religion. According to some, wearing turquoise jewellery will prevent insecurity and improve your health, including strengthening your heart and eyesight. Persian turquoise has also been used extensively in Persian architecture and literature. Its distinct colour has also been associated with paradise and used in magnificent mosque domes.

4. Turquoise in Persian Handicrafts

Turquoise elaborately carved plates (Firoozeh koob) & artefacts are produced mainly in Isfahan and are some of the most sought-after souvenirs by tourists. With a heritage of at least a half-century, inlaid turquoise is among the most beautiful Iranian artworks. Setting turquoise pieces on copper, brass, silver, and bronze dishes is the art.

Turquoise Jewellery around the World

Iranian artists use turquoise in various media, including calligraphy and handloom. Turquoise jewellery has long been prevalent in the Middle East. Tibetans highly regarded it, and was in use in China ever since the 13^th century BCE.

5. Turquoise Changing Colour

Turquoise was thought to change colour depending on the potential threat to the person who wears it; it was thought to be a pretty specific method for determining when to seek shelter or defence or to make a shift in one’s life.

As whimsical as this may be, a more current concept is that long-term exposure to direct sun, cosmetics, oil and heat can cause a turquoise gemstone’s colour to change. This can be avoided by regularly cleaning your gemstone with a clean cloth and ensuring only to rinse it with water to avoid influencing the vibrancy of porous stone.

The Universal Appeal of Turquoise

It’s strange to see how the same jewel that profoundly influenced several of the world’s oldest civilisations has remained relevant to today’s rapidly changing fashion industry. However, we believe that the main reason is due to the spiritual powers of turquoise as a soul cleanser, which have been passed down through the generations to the present day.

Get Your Persian Turquoise

If you can’t wait to get your hands on some Persian turquoise after reading all of this, you are in the right place.

Amitis Art has the most extensive collection of Persian turquoise jewellery, including rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. We only have natural and authentic Persian turquoise to offer.
If you are interested in Persian turquoise, visit our website at www.amitisart.net.

Turquoise Uncovered Podcast

We are excited to offer an alternative way to experience our blog posts. If you prefer listening over reading, you can access an audio version of this blog post on the Turquoise Uncovered Podcast.

Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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