Ancient Archaeological Findings
The use of Persian turquoise as a gemstone dates back to approximately 7,000 B.C., making it one of the most well-known and perennially trendy stones. The Deh Luran Plain in western Iran has yielded archaeological findings that date back to roughly 7000 BCE and indicate that turquoise was used for the first time. The discovery of a significant number of turquoise items in ancient burial grounds provides evidence of the significance of this mineral to the cultural practices of the relevant time period. The age that has been calculated for these artifacts can be considered reliable; nonetheless, no scientific investigation has established a connection between them and a particular deposit.
According to the pivotal 1969 research report by archeologists Hole, Flannery and Neely, the first authenticated Persian turquoise artifacts were originally excavated from ancient burial sites scattered across the Deh Luran Plain in western Iran. These burial sites were situated around small, isolated farming hamlets studying the plain during the dawn of agriculture in the Zagros Mountains region. Specifically, the turquoise beads and pendants retrieved from tombs in the Ali Kosh and Mohamad-Djaffar archaeological zones were scientifically dated back to 7000 BCE and 6500 BCE, respectively, through then-cutting edge radiocarbon dating techniques. This rare concrete evidence firmly established the use of Persian turquoise in personal adornment and accessories since the very inception of civilization in the region.
Introduction to Western Culture
It is common knowledge that some of the world’s oldest natural turquoise mines may be found in the country of Persia. Persian turquoise became available to Europe, western Asia, and America from the city of Nishapur through the cities of Tous, Damghan, Gorgan and Baghdad, amongst others, along the Silk Road. It is said to have been the first type of turquoise to be brought into Western culture. This is how turquoise was said to have been brought into Western culture. People who generally spoke Chinese, Persian, Turkish, or Arabic were the ones who smuggled the uncommon turquoise into Europe around the 16th century. Turquoise was carried into Europe by these people.
Over 2,000 years ago, when people from Persia travelled the Silk Road to trade their goods all over the world, turquoise played a significant part in the safety and security of the people they met along the way. Many people believe that the turquoise from Persian mines is of the highest possible quality and purity.
The Persians believed that this fantastic stone was the earthly connection to the sky due to its brilliant blue colour, which led them to believe that the incredible stone was pure. Due to the fact that possessing a turquoise gemstone conferred great power as well as protection, it was most commonly regarded as one of the most desirable pieces of jewelry available.
Use and Virtues
The Persian turquoise has always been a highly prized gemstone, cherished by the people who bought it and the Persians themselves. It was believed to possess protecting virtues that could ward off untimely demise, making it a valuable treasure during the time of the Persian Empire. Travelling salesmen would often carry this precious stone all the way to China and Turkey to share its beauty and protective qualities with the rest of the world, further increasing its value and desirability.
The Persians adorned themselves with this gemstone as pendants or bracelets, not only for its beauty but also for the reassurance of its protective powers. Today, Persian turquoise continues to be a highly sought-after gemstone, admired for its stunning blue-green colour and rich history.
It was also believed that the reflection of a new moon on turquoise brought good fortune and warded off evil. Turquoise was considered a protective stone. The ancients believed that the colour of turquoise changed to reflect the health of its owner, with the stone becoming paler when the person was sick and losing its colour when the owner passed away. The stone’s beauty was restored to its former glory when it was passed on to a new owner who was in good health. We now know that the stone’s colour can shift based on factors such as light, a chemical reaction, dust, or the skin’s acidity.
With its striking sky-blue hue and earthy matrix, Persian Turquoise has been highly valued for centuries. This precious stone has adorned the most opulent cathedrals, been worn by kings and queens as a symbol of their wealth, and has become a fashionable gemstone for contemporary celebrities.
The term “Persian Turquoise” has come to represent the finest qualities of this gemstone, with its robin’s egg blue or celestial blue hue that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. It’s no surprise that Persian Turquoise has been considered a talisman for good health, as it possesses such a captivating and mesmerizing beauty that has stimulated the imagination of people throughout history. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history or its stunning appearance, there’s no denying the allure of Persian Turquoise.
Ancient Sources
For more than 5,000 years, Iran (also formerly known as Persia) has been a major source of stunningly beautiful turquoise. Despite the fact that Iran’s production only accounts for a small percentage of the world’s overall output, the country’s turquoise is nonetheless considered to be of the highest quality.
The Persian word for turquoise is “Ferozah,” and this word literally translates to “victory.” It is considered to be the country’s official gemstone. The French word “Pierre turquoise,” meaning “Turkish stone,” is where we get our English word “turquoise.” This is because Turkey was the starting point for the trade routes that brought turquoise to Europe from other parts of the world. The mines in central Asia went through Turkey; Venetian merchants frequently acquired the stone from vendors in bazaars located in Turkey.
Metaphysical Stone
Natural turquoise, often considered a metaphysical stone, was linked in ancient times with the goddess Hathor, who was known as the goddess of joy, affection of feminine nature, and motherhood. The precious stone was customarily and traditionally mounted on headdresses and military equipment for the purpose of providing the wearer with safety and protection, and there was a steadfast belief that it would change colour whenever the wearer was in any form of peril.
Turquoise was also used in the decoration of the rooftops of Persia’s most important palaces and mosques, which served to signify the country’s connection to the heavens. Therefore, it had strong ties to the cultural practices that were prevalent in the area at the time.
Natural Persian Turquoise – Amitis Art
In case you’re set on purchasing turquoise, we advise you to look for a piece of genuine Persian turquoise. This turquoise is widely regarded as the best of its kind. Amitis Art is proud to introduce the world to the stunning beauty of this mystical Persian turquoise, which is highly sought after because of its scarcity in the modern market. Click the link below to view our selection of turquoise jewellery made with stones from the world-famous Nishapur mine: https://amitisart.net/shop/.
Turquoise Uncovered Podcast
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Author: Sohrab Jamarani
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