Turquoise 
Turquoise has captivated man's imagination for centuries. When it came to the attention of man is unknown. We have archeological as well as literary references that pre date the Christian era by five millenia. The four bracelets of Queen Zar, found on her mummified arm, date to the second ruler of the Egypt's First Dynasty, approximately 5500 B.C. Although not specifically mentioned in the Bible, scholars believe that the robe worn by the high priest Aaron was adorned with turquoise. Aristotle, Pliny and others refer to stones that must have been turquoise. After the fourth or fifth century A.D., many writings appeared discussing the stone. Explorers such as Marco Polo took time to write about it.
Turquoise's color ranges from sky blue to green. Turquoise is a vibrant light blue stone often seen in southwestern jewelry. It is reasonably priced and quite lovely. More on...
Colors:
Lustre:
System:
A gem is a precious stone, that means, it has value. Arizona's state gem, turquoise, is blue-green stone. Arizona's turquoise has been used for centuries by southwest Native Americans for making jewelry. This blue-green stone has a somewhat waxy surface and can be found throughout the state.
Nevada Turquoise, sometimes called the "Jewel of the Desert," is found in many parts of the state.
Care and Treatment
Howlite is often dyed to imitate turquoise. Turquoise made in a laboratory has a very uniform color. Chalky varieties of turquoise are often coated with wax or oil to enhance color - and when treated like this, the color change is not permanent.
Turquoise is often fracture sealed. This doesn't mean that it has fractures, it means that it was sealed with an acrylic resin to enhance it's color, texture, and hardness.
Turquoise is somewhat soft so avoid scratches and sharp blows. To be certain and coatings are not removed also avoid hot water and household chemicals.
The following are misleading terms:
Hardness
Healing
Master healer; protects against environmental pollutants; strengthens anatomy & guards against all disease; improved absorption of nutrients; tissue regeneration; subtle body allignment & strengthening; eye disorders.
Where Found
Birthstone Months
Star Stone Months
Anniversary Gemstone
Mystical Properties
Lore
Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color.
In the 13th century, Turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling especially from horses.
Legend has it that the Indians believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. It was also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all.
Turquoise started being used before 4000 BC.
Turquoise is the US State Gemstone of Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.
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