Turquoise, or Hydrous Copper Aluminum Phosphate, means “Turkish Stone,” but the Turks call is Fayruz, “lucky stone.” Turquoise may be any shade between blue and green. The Tibetans call it Gyu and to the Chinese is also Yu, “jade.” The Egyptians called it Majkat, which early translation rendered into malachite explaining the dearth of references found in Egypt. A very old mine at Serabit el Khadim in Egypt was found near a temple to Hathor, called the Goddess of Turquoise. As such, it has been used as a love charm in some areas. It has also been placed under the auspices of the planet Jupiter. Originally, turquoise was the birthstone for December, but it has since been reassigned to July.
The Apache Indians refer to turquoise as Duklij, meaning green or blue stone. Turquoise was primarily a holy stone of the tribes of Mexico and the southwestern United States. It was used to guard burial sites, and Medicine Men wore it along with coral when they wished to commune with the spirits of the sky to bring rain. Every Navaho carried a piece of turquoise with them for luck, and ground turquoise was mixed with corn meal offerings in gratitude to the gods. Because of its high spiritual value, many tribes used it as a medium of exchange. Attached to a weapon, it was said to give a warrior unerring aim. Zuni legend states that the sky is blue due to the reflection from the Mother Goddess’s Turquoise Mountain. The Aztecs referred to one variety of turquoise as teuxivitl. No one was allowed to use or own this; it was completely dedicated to the gods and used in offerings and to construct divine images. The god of fire, Xiuhtecutli or Ixcocauhqui, presided over the ceremony of ear piercing of young boys and girls. His image was encrusted with turquoise earings.
Two minerals recently discovered are very similar to turquoise may be sold as such. These are faustite, a zinc analog of turquoise, and prosopite (from a blue variety found only in Mexico). Howlite, a white, porcelain-like mineral, is often dyed to resemble turquoise. Turquoise is easily imitated through stained ivory, calcite, marble, glass, porcelain, polystyrene resins, and pressed turquoise powder. “Bone turquoise,” more properly called odontolite, is actually fossilized teeth or bones colored blue with vivianite, and “Viennese turquoise” is a false name for aluminum phosphate dyed with copper oleate and pressed. Neolith is another turquoise-like mixture produced with copper phosphate and bayerite. Even natural turquoise is often doctored. Nearly all commercially sold turquoise is color-stabilized by impregnation with wax, plastic, or sodium silicate, and these are all usually dyed to enhance the natural color of the stone.
Turquoise strengthens and aligns all chakras, and elevates the attunement between the physical world and the metaphysical. Specifically it has influence over the throat, heart, and navel chakras, facilitating communication skills, especially of an emotional nature. It also increases transmission of creative and intuitive ideas. On the other hand, it is very grounding and can be used to maintain a connection with the conscious mind during deep meditations. Turquoise is a healer of spirit, bringing soothing energy and peace of mind.
Turquoise is said to change color to indicate danger or infidelity through thought or action. It would lose its color gradually if its owner became ill and would lose its color completely if he or she died. The interpretation of the loss of color has been modified by modern gem mystics to mean the wearer is in need of a little stress reduction. It would regain its color however if taken be a new owner. Pieces were set into door lintels as a guard against evil. It is also protective against environmental pollutants, poison, violence, migraines, snakes, and disease. In ancient times, it was carried to ward off accidents and to protect property. It was thought to be especially protective against falls in the Middle East. For this reason, it was often used as a horse amulet, to prevent horses, or their riders, from falls. Europeans did not believe the stone prevented falls, but they did state that the victim would be free from serious injury if they did fall while carrying a piece of turquoise.
Native American shamen often applied turquoise to rain-rituals, either throwing it in a river or holding it under running water. All cultures consider turquoise a lucky stone. The Turks believe that looking at a piece of turquoise directly after viewing a new moon was extremely lucky, and in Persia, it was lucky to see the reflection of the new moon in a piece of turquoise.
Wisdom and understanding are enhanced through the use of turquoise. Trust, kindness, and appreciation of beauty are emphasized. Turquoise is said to add spontaneity to your love life as well as give you courage in the initiation of romantic love. It attracts new friends and love, money, and happiness.