Unveiling the Mystique of Turquoise Stones: A Dive into History, Varieties, and Symbolism

Turquoise, with its captivating hues and rich history, has mesmerized civilizations for centuries. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, turquoise holds cultural significance and spiritual symbolism across various cultures. Let’s dive into the essence of turquoise, its origins, types, symbolism, and how to distinguish between real and fake stones.

What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a striking blue-green mineral, prized for its vibrant color and unique appearance. Chemically, it is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, often forming in veins within rock formations. Its name, derived from the French word "turquois" meaning "Turkish," reflects its historical trade route through Turkey.

Traditional Sources of Turquoise

Turquoise is traditionally found in arid regions where copper-rich groundwater interacts with aluminum minerals, creating ideal conditions for its formation. Historically, significant deposits have been discovered in regions such as Iran, Egypt, China, Mexico, and the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico. At Scott James we primarily source our turquoise from within the United States.

What is the best quality Turquoise?

While turquoise shares common characteristics, variations in its chemical composition and geological environment give rise to distinct types. Here are six of our favorite and most popular varieties:

 

Kingman Turquoise

Found in Kingman Arizona and renowned for its deep blue color with occasional matrix inclusions of brown, black, or golden hues. It can vary from light blue to a darker, more intense blue. It's highly valued for its rich, vibrant blue color and its ability to take a high polish, making it ideal for jewelry making.

 

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

Named after the Sleeping Beauty Mountain in Globe, Arizona, this turquoise is known for its vivid sky-blue color with little to no matrix or veining. Its clean appearance makes it a sought-after choice for jewelry.

 

Pilot Mountain Turquoise

 

Sonoran Turquoise

Showcasing a wide spectrum of blue and green hues with intricate matrix patterns, ranging from spiderweb to dendritic formations. Its vibrant colors and unique matrix formations make it highly desirable for both collectors and jewelry makers. Primarily sourced from various mines in Sonora, Mexico, and some parts of Arizona.

 

Nacozari Turquoise

Known for its striking blue color with dark matrix patterns, often appearing as spiderweb or dendritic formations. Primarily mined in the Nacozari de García region of Sonora, Mexico and loved for Its rich blue color and intricate matrix making it highly valued for its unique aesthetic appeal.

 

Royston Ribbon

Sourced from the Royston Mine in Nevada, USA, providing vibrant blue-green hues with distinctive ribbon-like matrix patterns running through the stone. The contrast between the colorful turquoise and the matrix creates a visually striking appearance, making it a popular choice for jewelry.

 

What is the meaning and symbolism of Turquoise?

Throughout history, turquoise has been revered for its metaphysical properties and symbolic significance. Across different cultures, it is associated with protection, healing, and spiritual enlightenment. In Native American traditions, turquoise is considered a sacred stone, believed to offer strength, wisdom, and protection against negative energies. In ancient Egypt, it was associated with Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, symbolizing purity and good fortune.

How can I tell if the turquoise is real?

At Scott James Jewelry, we only use real turquoise that we source from relationships that we have cultivated for years. With the growing demand for turquoise, the market is flooded with imitation stones. Distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit turquoise requires careful observation. Here are some pointers:

Color

Natural turquoise exhibits variations in color, ranging from sky blue to greenish hues. Be wary of stones with unnaturally vibrant colors, which may indicate dye treatment.

Texture

Genuine turquoise often has a porous texture, whereas imitations may feel smoother or artificially treated.

Matrix

Authentic turquoise frequently contains matrix patterns or veins, formed by the surrounding rock. Synthetic turquoise may lack these natural markings or display uniform patterns.

Price and Source

Authentic turquoise, especially rare varieties, commands a higher price due to its scarcity and quality. Purchase from reputable dealers with transparent sourcing practices to ensure authenticity.

Where can I buy genuine Turquoise?

From its geological origins to its symbolism in diverse cultures, turquoise continues to captivate and inspire. We hope that you'll find a piece of Scott James Jewelry that will be a piece that inspires you and the generations that you pass your piece on to. Here are some of our favorites: