Origin-: The name Turquoise came into use only in the 13th century, when a French trader brought this gem from a Turkish market. He called it ‘Pierre Turquoise’ meaning Turkish tone.

Color-: Blue-green with black or brown Matrix.

Hardness-: 6 on the Mohs scale with the triclinic crystal structure.

Birthstone-: December.

Zodiac Sign-: Sagittarius, Pisces, Scorpio and Aquarius.

Occurrence-: in ancient times top quality turquoise mining was mainly done in Nishapur or district of Iran (Persia).  However, today  China is the major source of top quality Turquoise in the world. Other than these mines, turquoises are mined in Tibet, Egypt, Chile and USA.

Metaphysical Properties-:

• Symbol of wealth in many ancient cultures.
• Strength, protection from harm, psychic sensitivity and connection to the spirit world.
• Stone would protect the wearer from negative energy and bring good fortune.
• Stone of friendship. It also brings peace to the home.
• Neutralizes over acidity.
• Turquoise carries great wisdom of basic truth within it.
• Alleviates rheumatism, gout, stomach problems and viral infections.
• Increases growth, muscular strength.
• Alleviates pain, relaxes cramp.
• Contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.
• Application: Should be worn on the solar plexus.

Treatments-:

• Dyeing waxing oiling, plastic interrogation and epoxy filling are carried out on the natural gem material.
• Waxing and oiling not only enhances the color of the gem but also helps stabilize it by filling the pores. As a result, the gem has a higher chance of not losing its color.
• In the 1980s, a method of treating a Turquoise gem called ‘zachery’ was found. Besides enhancing the color the treatment makes the gem more stable and also helps in retaining the colour of the gem over time.