ARVENIER
Turquoise jewellery has long carried meanings of protection, good fortune and calm across Persian, Tibetan, Native American and Egyptian traditions. Turquoise is an opaque blue-to-green mineral coloured by copper and iron, and it is one of the December birthstones. It is relatively soft and porous, so it needs gentle care away from oils, perfume and heat.
What is turquoise?
Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium. Copper gives the sky-blue colour; iron pushes it towards green. Many stones show a web of darker lines called matrix, the remains of the host rock. It is softer than quartz, roughly 5–6 on the Mohs scale, and porous, which affects how it should be worn and cleaned.
What does turquoise symbolise?
Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years. It decorated ancient Egyptian jewellery, Persian domes and Tibetan ornaments, and it holds deep cultural significance for many Native American peoples of the Southwest. Common symbolic meanings include protection on journeys, good luck and friendship. As a December birthstone, it is a natural birthday gift for anyone born that month.
How can you tell real turquoise from imitations?
In affordable fashion jewellery, 'turquoise' beads are often dyed stone or treated material. Read the product description and judge the price accordingly.
- Dyed howlite or magnesite: white stones dyed blue; colour may be concentrated in cracks.
- Stabilised turquoise: real turquoise impregnated with resin to harden it — common and acceptable when disclosed.
- Reconstituted turquoise: crushed turquoise bonded with resin.
- Plastic or glass: very even colour and warmer to the touch.
How to care for turquoise
Because turquoise is porous, it can absorb skin oils, lotion and perfume and change colour over time. Put turquoise on after cosmetics, wipe it with a soft dry cloth after wearing, and avoid soaking it, ultrasonic cleaners and steam. Store it away from harder stones that could scratch it, and out of strong sunlight.
How to style turquoise
Turquoise looks natural with silver tones, white linen, denim and earthy browns. In Indian wear it pairs beautifully with coral, pink and mustard. A single turquoise bead bracelet stacks well with wooden or lava beads for a relaxed look.
Turquoise as a gift
Turquoise makes a meaningful December birthday gift and a traditional travel charm for someone setting off on a journey. Its sky-blue colour suits almost every skin tone, and it is easy to wear with both western and Indian outfits, which makes it a safe choice when you are not sure of the recipient's style.
Frequently asked questions
Can turquoise get wet?
Brief contact is fine, but avoid soaking or swimming in turquoise; water and chemicals can dull or discolour it.
Why has my turquoise turned green?
Porous turquoise can absorb oils and change colour over time. This is natural and is why careful wear is recommended.
Is turquoise a birthstone?
Yes. Turquoise is one of the birthstones for December, alongside tanzanite and zircon.