Iranian Turquoise, one of the most well-known and ever-popular gemstones, has been discovered since around 6,000 BC. Persia is famous for having some of the world’s most substantial surviving turquoise mines. According to legend, the first types of turquoise were introduced into Western culture via the Silk Road, which connected cities such as Nishapur (Neyshabur), Tous, Damghan, and Baghdad to Asia Minor, Europe.

Turquoise is named after a French word that means “Turkish,” as it was first brought to Europe via Turkey, but its origins are Iranian. In Iran, turquoise is known as Firoozeh, which means victory in Farsi (the Persian language). Turquoise is the national gemstone of Iran. Here’s everything you need to understand about turquoise, especially Persian turquoise (Iranian turquoise).

Iranian Turquoise and Iranian Beliefs

Iranian Turquoise was crucial in safeguarding Persians as they journeyed the great Silk Road over 2,000 years ago to sell it widely and extensively. Iranian turquoise is assumed to be of the highest and purest quality. The powers of turquoise as a spiritual cleanser have been handed down through the hundreds of years to the present day. Because of its adaptability, it has remained so relevant to today’s constantly evolving fashion business that there is almost no type of apparel for which it will not be the perfect finishing touch.

It’s strange to think that the same gem had such a distant impact on several of the world’s early civilisations, but we believe that’s why it’s been around for centuries and hasn’t lost its allure.

For Iranians, Persian turquoise jewellery is more than just a fashion statement; it is intrinsically tied to religion. Some people believe that any man who wears a turquoise jewel will not feel insecure. Turquoise will also help his health in several ways, including improving his heart and vision. Iranian turquoise has also been used extensively in Persian architectural style and literature. It has been utilised in accessories for noble families and Shia Muslims, associated with heaven, and operated in splendid mosque domes.

What Do Texture and Color Indicate?

Iranian turquoise is classified into two types based on texture and colour. The most valuable turquoise colour is a uniform and intense medium blue, also known as robin’s egg or sky blue in the trade. Because this colour’s traditional source is the Iranian district of Nishapur, it’s also known as Persian blue. Iranian turquoise could have a matrix driving through it. Spider web turquoise is composed of fine linings of matrix that form appealing web-like patterns.

The Formation Situation

The formation of turquoise is an intriguing topic to delve into, but we’ll get the lowdown here. At a shallow angle, turquoise can be found. As you enter the mine, blue veins appear on the walls. Water trickles into these splintered terrains, dissolving the layers of copper it passes through. When it comes into direct contact with magma, it warms up in the depths. It eventually returns, enhanced in aluminium and phosphorus, through the volcanics. Because of the connections between copper, aluminium, and phosphorus, turquoise deposits can form in adjacent fractures. This is a slow process that could take millions of years to complete.

The Neyshabur (Nishapur) turquoise mine is Iran’s most important mine and is famous worldwide for its turquoise. The Neyshabur turquoise mine is the most important in Iran and is world-renowned for its high quality. There are numerous other turquoise mines in Iran, but their mined turquoise isn’t as widely known as the one in Neyshabur due to its small quantity and poor quality.

Other Uses

Turquoise sculpted plates (Firoozeh Koobi) and artefacts are primarily produced in Isfahan and are among the most popular tourist souvenirs. Inlaid turquoise is one of the most beautiful Iranian artworks, dating back at least a half-century. The art arranges turquoise bits on copper, brass, silver, and bronze dishes. Iranian artists use turquoise in various media, such as calligraphy and handicrafts. Turquoise jewellery has been popular in the Middle East for a long time. Tibetans held it in high regard.

Unfortunate Color Changing

Turquoise was thought to change colour depending on the possibility of a potential threat to the person wearing it; it was supposed to be a particular method of deciding when to seek shelter or defence or to change one’s life. But don’t panic immediately if your turquoise has been changing colours. The real reason for your turquoise changing colour might not be your unfortunate situation but your fake gemstone. Howlite, a typical white mineral, is highly hydrophilic. It can be dyed to look like any coloured gemstone with close webbing, so unscrupulous dealers commonly use it to create fake turquoise gemstones.

Luckily, the distinction between coloured Howlite and genuine Turquoise is clear. All you need is a cotton bud and some acetone. Drench the bud in the liquid and lightly massage it across the stone’s surface for a few seconds. If this removes any blue-green dye from the stone, it is undoubtedly Howlite instead of Turquoise.

As poetic as this may be, a more recent theory holds that long-term exposure to direct sunlight, cosmetics, and temperature can cause the colour of a turquoise gemstone to change. This can be avoided by cleaning your gemstone regularly with a clean cloth, ensuring that you only wash it with water to avoid affecting the vibrancy of the porous stone.

Your Perfect Iranian Turquoise

If, after reading all of this, you can’t wait to lay your hands on some Iranian turquoise, you’ve come to the right place. We have the most genuine turquoise and an extensive selection of Persian jewellery, including rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings. So, click the link https://amitisart.net/shop/  right now to shop from our vast collection of styles.

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 our blog posts on the Turquoise Uncovered Podcast.

Author: Sohrab Jamarani

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