Turquoise is an opaque mineral known for its waxy shine and is often used as a gemstone and for ornamental purposes. This mineral has been a popular choice for centuries, but it has recently been experiencing a welcome resurgence in the jewellery world. Designers have been falling in love with its dreamy blue charms in droves, and it’s not hard to see why. Its unique colour and texture make it a versatile stone in various jewellery designs. Turquoise will surely add elegance and sophistication to any outfit, whether set in silver or gold, used in a necklace or bracelet, or even in earrings.

Did you know that the colour we now refer to as “turquoise” has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times? The word “turquoise” comes from an old French word that referred to something Turkish, and it was used to describe a particular shade highly prized in Europe. This shade was brought over by merchants who travelled from the Persian region and was noted for its striking beauty and unique qualities.

In ancient times, turquoise was considered a gift from the gods and was believed to have the power to bring good fortune to its owners. It was often used as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and bring success in financial and professional pursuits. This belief in its powers continued well into the modern era, and many still hold it in high regard as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

One of the reasons why turquoise was so popular is its unique colour, which lies somewhere between blue and green on the colour spectrum. This shade was highly sought after for its beauty and rarity, and it quickly gained popularity among the wealthy and fashionable in Europe. Today, this colour is still highly prized and is often used in fashion, art, and design to create a striking and eye-catching effect.

In this article, we will delve into the world of birthstones and focus on the one that represents the month of December. With its unique and stunning appearance, this captivating gemstone has been a popular choice for centuries, and good reason. We will explore the origins of this gemstone, where it is found, and why it is becoming increasingly rare and expensive. We will also highlight some of the top jewellery designers creating exquisite pieces incorporating this gemstone and why it continues to captivate and enchant jewellery enthusiasts worldwide. So, sit back, relax and get ready to learn more about the timeless beauty and elegance of December’s birthstone.

Where Exactly Can You Find Turquoise?

Turquoise, this blue-green mineral, has captivated people for centuries and is a breathtaking gemstone that can be found in arid regions worldwide. It’s a beautiful stone used in jewellery and decorative objects for centuries. The American Southwest, northwest China, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and Iran are all regions where this mineral can be found.

Speaking of Iran, it’s widely believed that some of the world’s most beautiful examples of this mineral come from Persian mines. Persian turquoise, with its unique shade of blue, often referred to as “Persian blue,” is simply unmatched. This colour is highly valued among collectors and jewellery enthusiasts, and rightfully so. Many have tried to imitate this colour, but none have been able to duplicate it. The beauty and rarity of this gemstone have made it a popular choice for jewellery and decorative objects for centuries.

In ancient times, the region now known as Iran was home to a thriving mining industry. As early as 2,100 BC, mines were in operation and producing turquoise that would be highly sought after for millennia. With its vivid robin’s egg blue colour, this mineral was considered one of the world’s most exquisite and prized materials. It was coveted by royalty, artists, and artisans for its beauty and rarity. The mines of Iran were a source of great wealth and power, as they supplied the world with this precious material for thousands of years.

Even today, the legacy of these ancient mines lives on, as the beauty and elegance of the turquoise gemstones they produced continue to captivate and inspire.

The turquoise mines at Nishapur, located in the northeastern region of Iran, have been a source of this precious gem for centuries. Ancient civilizations prized the gemstones extracted from these mines, which continue to be highly sought after today. Although the mines are still operational, they have been depleted significantly, particularly those historically rich in the minerals used to create vibrant and lustrous gems.

Beyond Iran, several other countries are prominent in the gemstone industry. The United States, Mexico, Chile, and Tibet are among some of the top producers of these minerals. However, in recent years, China has emerged as a leading producer of these precious stones, accounting for over three-quarters of all global production.

Despite its prominence in the industry, there have been concerns about the quality of the gems produced in China, America, and most other countries. Some experts suggest that the colour and shine of these gems are frequently boosted using artificial means, which can detract from their overall value. Nonetheless, the continued production of these precious stones is a testament to their enduring appeal and the ongoing demand for them in global markets.

Turquoise is a fascinating gemstone that has captured people’s hearts worldwide for centuries. While many of the mines in the American Southwest have closed down, companies continue to produce mainly “chalk turquoise” as a by-product of copper mining.

However, one exception to this rule is Persian turquoise from Nishapur. This mine has been extracting turquoise for thousands of years and is still producing some of the highest-graded turquoise in the world. Unlike American turquoise, which is often chalky and low quality, Persian turquoise is known for its rich, vibrant colour and exceptional quality.

One of the reasons that Persian turquoise is so highly valued is that it is not a by-product of copper mining. Instead, it is explicitly mined for its turquoise content, which allows for a much higher level of quality control. This is in sharp contrast to American turquoise, which often needs to be stabilized to be suitable for jewellery or other decorative objects.

Overall, the high quality of Persian turquoise is a testament to the skill and expertise of those who have been mining this gemstone for thousands of years. While American turquoise may be more readily available, there is no substitute for the rich colour and exceptional quality of Persian turquoise from Nishapur.

How Does Turquoise Form?

Turquoise is believed to have come into being roughly 29 million years ago in the shape of hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium. It has a hydrated phosphate composition in the present day. The formation process could have occurred in one of two ways over many centuries: either when water gradually trickled through veins or crevices in a host rock, leaving behind a deposit, or when nuggets of the mineral formed in clay-filled openings within the rock. Both methods eventually led to the creation of the same mineral deposit.

Spider-web turquoise is a highly sought-after gemstone due to its unique and captivating pattern. The intricate network of veins or lines on the stone’s surface creates a beautiful and exciting design that many people find appealing. This type of turquoise is prized for its beauty and is a popular choice among collectors and jewellery enthusiasts.

What Gives Turquoise its Unique Colour?

Stones with various colours can be found, from soft powder blue and medium blue to gorgeous bright green and yellow-green. The colour most commonly associated with the well-known sky blue can also be found in other shades. The metals in the rock where these stones were formed are the source of their colour. The chemical composition of these stones includes either a small amount of copper, which results in their signature blue colour, or Iron, which produces a greenish hue, or zinc, which results in a yellow tone. Copper gives these stones their signature blue colour. Iron produces a greenish tint—zinc results in a yellowy tone.

What Characteristics Make Turquoise a Semiprecious Stone?

Despite the scarcity of turquoise stone, it is still considered a “semiprecious” gem. As the availability of high-quality specimens decreases, this gem’s value increases. However, it is unlikely ever to be regarded as a precious stone due to the traditional association of the term with only a select few gems, such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Why is Turquoise So Desirable?

The beautiful shade of blue known as Robin’s egg blue is rare among turquoise stones found on Earth. Because of this, turquoise gems with this colouration, like the one often referred to as the “stone of the sky,” are highly sought after for their ornamental value. This mineral has been considered a powerful talisman for centuries and has been beloved by many throughout history, including rulers, warriors, and spiritual leaders.

Many collectors believe Persian turquoise is the best and most sought-after variety. This type of turquoise has been mined for thousands of years and is still mined today, making it a favourite among serious collectors willing to go to great lengths to acquire it. The fact that it has a rich history and is still available in limited quantities only adds to its allure and desirability.

What is the Finest Quality Turquoise?

Suppose you’re looking for a precious turquoise gemstone highly valued for its distinct colour and appearance. In that case, you might want to consider the Persian variety, one of the world’s most authentic and sought-after gemstones. This particular gemstone is rare and difficult to find in today’s market. However, Amitis Art offers a unique opportunity to purchase this rare gemstone in jewellery. Our collection uses stones from the renowned Nishapur mine, widely recognized for its quality and rarity. Visit our shop HERE to see our exclusive selection of jewellery pieces that will add elegance and sophistication to your look.

Turquoise Uncovered Podcast

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Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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