Turquoise is made of hydrated copper aluminium phosphate and it occurs in igneous rocks which are rich in aluminium. Literally translated it means “Turkish”, a nod to its history when Levantine traders imported the gemstone to Europe via Turkey. Turquoise is among the small amount of opaque gemstones, providing it a unique deep-pigmented tone which can vary from bright green to sky blue depending on its make-up, without or with black veins running throughout the stone known as its matrix. Bright blue is considered the most sought-after type of the stone, an on-trend colour in fashion and jewellery. Turquoise and blue topaz are the birthstones of December, and Turquoise is additionally the traditional gem stone for people celebrating their 6th or 11th wedding anniversaries.

Turquoise was among the first semi-precious stones to be excavated, mainly within the Sinai region of Egypt, Iran, and the south west United States and Mexico. Having been mined since as long ago as 3,000 BC, understandably resources of the mineral is running low. This has resulted in imitation gemstones becoming prevalent in modern jewellery, leading to a higher worth placed on real turquoise.

Turquoise has a history rivalled by no other gemstone. The mummy of Queen Zer, the ancient Eqyptian monarch, was discovered adorned in four bright turquoise bracelets when she was unearthed in nineteen hundred. She had chosen the precious stone to wear for 7,500 years. And picture the iconic gold death mask of Tutankhamen: it too is embedded with valuable turquoise gems.

The reason behind its historical prominence is that turquoise has been highly regarded by a great number of ancient civilisation who thought that it held strong metaphysical qualities. Around Asia the gem stone was believed to protect from the evil eye, and the Aztecs reserved the stone for the Gods in ceremonial masks. In the sixteenth century American Indians thought that turquoise embodied the spirits of the sea and skies, using it as both a way of currency and to bring good luck and protection to warriors and hunters.

Even nowadays turquoise is seen as having protective properties. In modern gemstone therapy it is believed to enhance self confidence and minimize depression, stomach problems, viral infections and rheumatism. If given as a gift turquoise is deemed a sign of friendship. Whether you believe in these legends or not, it’s hard to ignore the beauty which this show-stopping stone has.