Turquoise

Turquoise, a stunning stone of unparalleled beauty, holds a significant place in the history of humankind. Revered by kings, shamans, and warriors, it is known for its powerful protective qualities, imparting a soothing effect upon touch and healing to the eye. This stone’s blue-green shade has given it the name Turquoise, making it a symbol of all things tranquil. Its delicate veining, mottled webbing, and inherent character make it unique. The name Turquoise originates from pierre turquoise, a French term meaning “Turkish stone,” as it was traded through Turkey from mines in central Asia to Europe, and Venetian merchants bought it in Turkish bazaars. 

For thousands of years, Turquoise has held a place of importance in cultures across the world, symbolising wisdom, nobility, and the power of immortality. It was sacred in Ancient Egypt, Persia, China, Aztec and Inca civilisations of South America, and Native North America, used for adornment, power, luck, and protection. Turquoise beads dating back to 5000 B.C. have been discovered in Iraq, and the Egyptians mined these stones in the Sinai as early as 3200 B.C. 

Native Americans have been mining and using Turquoise for almost a thousand years, even using it to protect their burial sites. From Argentina to New Mexico, their gems can be found. Indian priests would wear it during ceremonies to call upon the great spirit of the sky. Turquoise was thought to be a universal stone, with believers feeling their minds related to the universe when wearing it. It was used in prophecy or divining due to its ability to change colours. For prehistoric Indians, Turquoise was worn on the body or used in ceremonies to signify the god of the sky was alive in the earth. 

Turquoise is said to be affected by the wearer’s physical condition. It is believed to become pale when the wearer is ill or sad, lose its colour entirely when the person dies, and slowly regain its colour when passed on to a new, healthy owner, its colour deepening with each passing day. 

Anselmus de Boot, the court physician of Emperor Rudolph II, wrote in 1609 that Turquoise was so highly regarded by men that no man considered his hand well-adorned unless it was with a fine Turquoise. Today, it is recognised as an ornamental gem that symbolises both male and female power. When worn or carried, it is considered a talisman of luck, success, ambition, and creativity. Tibetan Turquoise, or Chinese Turquoise, carries a slightly different vibration than the more vivid blue variety, making it especially useful for clearing the Throat Chakra and suppressed self-expression. Men and women alike wear Turquoise as jewellery, with a promise of fidelity and protectiveness to a lover or partner. It adorns sacred prayer beads, musical instruments, prayer wheels, and bells, and a turquoise rosary is said to relate prayer to any deity being invoked. Tibetan Turquoise is traditionally given as a gift to pass on its natural fortune-bringing powers. 

Turquoise has numerous physical benefits. It is a strengthening stone that is effective in cases of exhaustion, depression, and panic attacks. It boosts the physical and psychic immune systems, supports the assimilation of nutrients, reduces pollution and viral infections, and is anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. It helps with problems of the brain, eyes, ears, neck, and throat, especially cataracts, migraines, headaches, and problems with balance. 

Turquoise is renowned for its exceptional therapeutic properties, specifically for its ability to enhance respiratory function, promote healing of lung disorders, and alleviate allergies. Wearing a Turquoise necklace is highly recommended for those suffering from tracheitis or bronchial attacks, as it aids in healing the breath and even speech disorders like stammering. 

Aside from its physical benefits, Turquoise also possesses emotional and spiritual healing properties. This exquisite gemstone helps balance mood and emotions, evoking a profound sense of peace and tranquillity. It has been known to rejuvenate vitality, boost morale, reduce stress, and facilitate a more focused, centred outlook. Moreover, it fosters empathy and harmony, enabling one to identify the root causes of happiness and sadness and master them with ease. 

Turquoise is an excellent purifier and cleanser, dissipating negative energy and neutralising environmental pollution, including electromagnetic smog. It promotes self-realisation and innovative problem-solving, enhancing confidence and calm when speaking publicly. Turquoise also provides a stable emotional foundation, reducing erratic mood swings. 

The Tibetan Turquoise is a powerful antidote to hysteria and panic, enabling individuals to maintain their composure in challenging situations. It helps curb self-centred tendencies, encouraging empathy and a broader perspective on life. 

At its core, Turquoise is a stone of truth and integrity, enhancing communication and self-expression. It balances and stimulates the Throat Chakra, unlocking the soul’s deepest wisdom and enabling it to communicate and manifest truthfully and creatively. It is a catalyst for finding wholeness, and in so doing, contributes to the greater good of humanity.