From Ancient Egypt to Native America, the Global Story of Turquoise

Levy's Fine Jewelry
Levy's Fine Jewelry

From Ancient Egypt to Native America, the Global Story of Turquoise

By Joseph Denaburg, Levy’s Fine Jewelry

December babies are lucky to have several birthstone options, and turquoise is one of the most cherished. This stone is celebrated for its uniqueness; each piece of turquoise has a distinct pattern or “matrix,” making no two stones identical. These natural veiny patterns are remnants of the host rock on which the turquoise forms.

Turquoise's Unique Colors and Origins

Turquoise varies in color from greenish-gray to sky blue, with sky blue being the most desirable and valuable shade. The most prized turquoise comes from Iran, the Sinai Peninsula, and the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico). However, it is also mined in countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Chile, China, Mexico, Peru, Tibet, and Turkestan.

Turquoise in Ancient Egypt

Dating back over 7,500 years, turquoise has deep historical roots. Associated with Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love, motherhood, joy, and music, this sacred stone was used by healers and worn by royalty. Turquoise adorned the tomb of the famous

pharaoh Tutankhamun, and one of the oldest turquoise artifacts is a bracelet on the mummified arm of Queen Zar, dating back to Egypt's first dynasty around 5,500 BC.

The Persian Legacy of Turquoise

For centuries, the vibrant robin’s egg blue turquoise from Persia was considered the most beautiful. Mining in present-day northeastern Iran dates to 4,000 BC. Persian artisans used turquoise in elaborate mosaics, a trend that spread across the world. Its rich blue color symbolized the heavens and decorated the domes of palaces and sacred spaces.

The name “turquoise” comes from the French word "Turquie," meaning “Turkish stone,” due to its route through Turkey on its way to Europe. While Native Americans valued turquoise with natural patterns, Persian turquoise was prized for its purity and lack of inclusions. Today, the term "Persian turquoise" is often used as a quality descriptor rather than an origin, indicating turquoise with a cleaner appearance and without black or brown matrix patterns.

Turquoise in South American History

The ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Olmecs cherished turquoise, using it to adorn “death masks” reserved for nobility. In Mayan culture, turquoise was even more sacred, reserved solely for the gods and their images.

Turquoise in North America

Native American tribes in North America shared a deep admiration for turquoise. The mines of New Mexico and Arizona have produced high-quality turquoise since 200 BC, making it a key item for trade among native tribes. The Apache held turquoise in high esteem, believing it enhanced the accuracy of arrows and spears. Medicine men often wore turquoise to reflect their respected status.

While Native Americans initially used turquoise in carvings and mosaics, they began crafting unique turquoise and silver jewelry in the late 1800s when introduced to new metalworking techniques by Europeans. This iconic style soon became highly sought after.

Mystical Qualities of Turquoise

Throughout history, turquoise has been a popular choice for amulets. Believed to dispel hatred, ease headaches, and sense danger through color changes, turquoise was thought to protect its wearer. In the Middle Ages, it was even believed to absorb evil directed toward the wearer, but only if the gemstone was given as a gift, not purchased.

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