Discover Turquoise: From Ancient Symbol to Modern Treasure

What Is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a captivating opaque gemstone known for its unique blue to blue-green hue. A hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, turquoise is one of the few minerals to lend its name to a color. Its beauty comes from its coloring, which varies based on the presence of copper (which gives it blue tones) or iron and zinc (which add greenish tints). Sometimes, turquoise includes brown, black, or tan matrix veins—remnants of the host rock it formed within—giving each stone its own personality.

Where the Name "Turquoise" Comes From

The word turquoise comes from the French pierre turquoise, meaning “Turkish stone.” This is because the gem first reached Europe via trade routes that passed through Turkey, though the stone itself likely originated in Persia (modern-day Iran). Traders didn’t realize it at the time, but the gem’s association with Turkish merchants gave turquoise its name.

Turquoise Throughout History

Turquoise has been treasured by ancient cultures for thousands of years. The Egyptians mined turquoise in the Sinai Peninsula as early as 3000 BCE, using it in jewelry, amulets, and burial artifacts—including the iconic burial mask of King Tutankhamun. The Persians (Iranians) also valued turquoise for its beauty and believed it protected against unnatural death.

In the Americas, turquoise held deep spiritual significance for Indigenous peoples. Native American tribes in the Southwest, such as the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi, used turquoise in ceremonial pieces, believing it connected the sky and the earth and offered protection, health, and good fortune. It was also widely traded long before European contact.

How Turquoise Forms

Turquoise forms when water containing copper and other minerals seeps through rocks, typically in arid, dry climates. Over long periods, this mineral-rich water reacts with host rocks—usually limestones, sandstones, or volcanic rocks—creating turquoise deposits in veins or nodules.

Because it requires very specific geological and environmental conditions, turquoise is relatively rare in nature, especially in fine quality.

Where Turquoise Is Found (Especially in the USA)

Turquoise has been mined around the world, including in Iran, Egypt, China, and Tibet. However, some of the most well-known and highly regarded turquoise comes from the southwestern United States.

Key U.S. turquoise mining regions include:

Arizona – Famous mines like Sleeping Beauty (known for its bright, robin’s egg blue and lack of matrix) and Kingman (known for vivid blue and black matrix) produce some of the most desirable American turquoise.
Nevada – Home to hundreds of small mines, Nevada turquoise comes in a variety of colors and patterns, such as the spiderweb-matrixed Blue Gem, Royston, and Number 8 mines.
New Mexico – Historically significant, this area includes the Cerrillos mine, one of the oldest turquoise mines in North America.
Colorado – The Cripple Creek mine produces turquoise often found with a golden matrix, making it visually distinctive.

Turquoise in Jewelry

Turquoise has long been favored in jewelry, both for its beauty and symbolic meaning. It’s used in everything from chunky Southwestern cuffs and squash blossom necklaces to sleek, modern pieces set in gold or sterling silver. It's a centerpiece in Native American, Tibetan, and Middle Eastern designs and continues to be featured in both bohemian and high-fashion styles.

Because it's relatively soft compared to other gemstones, turquoise is often cut into cabochons (smooth, rounded shapes) rather than faceted. It’s also used in inlay work, beads, and even carved into ornamental objects.

Natural vs. Stabilized Turquoise

Turquoise is naturally porous and relatively soft, typically ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. As a result, some turquoise is treated to improve durability and color.

Natural turquoise refers to stones that have been minimally processed—just cut and polished. These are more valuable but less common, as they are more prone to scratching, fading, and damage.

Stabilized turquoise has been treated with resin or epoxy to harden the stone and enhance its color. This process allows softer or more porous turquoise to be used in jewelry and gives it greater durability. Stabilized turquoise is often more affordable and retains its color longer with everyday wear.

There is also dyed turquoise, which is lower quality material colored to imitate higher-grade stones, and reconstituted turquoise, which consists of crushed turquoise powder bonded with resin to form a usable stone.

Buyers should always ask whether a turquoise piece is natural or stabilized, as it affects both value and care.

Famous Turquoise Mines and Pieces

Some turquoise mines have become legendary for the quality and uniqueness of their stones:

Sleeping Beauty Mine (Arizona): Known for its pure sky-blue turquoise without matrix. This mine has closed, making Sleeping Beauty turquoise increasingly rare and collectible.
Kingman Mine (Arizona): One of the oldest and most productive mines in the U.S., Kingman turquoise is prized for its intense color and beautiful matrix patterns.
Number 8 Mine (Nevada): Famous for its golden spiderweb matrix, this turquoise is now only available in vintage or collectible pieces.

In terms of famous pieces, turquoise has graced everything from ancient Egyptian burial treasures to Hollywood fashion. In the 1970s, turquoise jewelry saw a major resurgence in the U.S. thanks to interest in Southwestern and Native American styles.

What Turquoise Symbolizes

Turquoise has long been seen as a stone of protection, strength, and healing. In many cultures, it is thought to guard against negative energy and bring good fortune. Native American traditions often use turquoise in ceremonies and believe it connects the heavens and the earth.

It’s also associated with tranquility, communication, and self-expression—perhaps because of its sky-blue color. In modern crystal healing circles, turquoise is said to promote calm, balance, and creativity.

Turquoise is also the birthstone for December, making it a popular gift for people born in that month.

Turquoise Hardness and Durability

Turquoise is moderately soft compared to gems like sapphire or diamond. It ranks 5–6 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can scratch or chip more easily if not treated with care. However, stabilized turquoise is more durable and suited for daily wear.

Avoid exposing turquoise to cosmetics, perfumes, or prolonged direct sunlight, which can alter its color. When properly cared for, turquoise jewelry can last for generations.

How to Care for Turquoise Jewelry

To keep your turquoise jewelry looking its best:

Avoid chemicals: Remove turquoise rings and bracelets before using lotions, perfumes, or cleaning products.
No ultrasonic cleaners: These can damage porous turquoise.
Use a soft cloth: Gently wipe jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after wear.
Store with care: Keep turquoise separate from harder gems to avoid scratching. Wrap pieces in a soft pouch or cloth.
Occasional cleaning: Use lukewarm water and a soft brush—never soak the stone. Dry thoroughly before storing.

Turquoise is a gem that bridges ancient tradition and modern design. Its vivid color, rich history, and deep symbolism make it a treasured addition to any jewelry collection.