Persian Turquoise
Turquoise is a stone of wisdom and insight into understanding the universe. The color comes from a mixture of copper and iron, which may also contain zinc or tin. It is on the birthstone list for Leo, Aquarius, and Pisces, among others.
Turquoise is found in mining regions throughout Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. Because of its beautiful color, it has stood out from other rocks to attract attention for centuries. Turquoise was also an essential stone to the early Persians. Even though they did not know geology, they recognized turquoise as a valuable source of copper and insisted on properly extracting it from their mines.
Its name comes from Turkey, where the stone can commonly be found in a particular zone known as “Turkmenistan,” which means “Land of Turquoise.
History
The ancient Persians valued turquoise as much as gold and had them in abundance. It is said that long ago, the Persians made a throne of turquoise.
One of the richest sources of turquoise is the mineral deposits in Turghzabad, Afghanistan. The Persians used this stone and their successors, the Sassanians, to make jewelry.
Persian turquoise was highly prized in the Islamic world, especially in Baghdad and Cairo, where it was believed that the stone would protect its owner and guard against envy.
Many ancient civilizations, including the Persians, Egyptians, and the Aztecs, have used turquoise. The Egyptians referred to turquoise as “the brilliant stone,” which Alexander the Great believed was found in India. The Aztecs regarded turquoise as a symbol of wealth and power.
Origin
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum bonded with water. It has the chemical formula CuAl(PO)(OH). Due to its chemical composition, turquoise takes on a variety of colors. These colors range from pale sky blue to deep blueish-green to different shades of brown.
The turquoise gemstones used in Persian jewelry come from various locations throughout Central Asia, including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tibet. These mines, or karuts, are the source of their turquoise deposits.
Turquoise was also located in the Sinai Peninsula as far back as ancient Egyptian times when it was extensively mined there.
The finest, most valuable Persian turquoise stones come from Afghanistan. These have the quality and color that makes them more desirable than stones from other sources. The black vein running through some Persian turquoise includes black slate or shale rather than an amount of iron present.
Persian Turquoise Properties
Turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. The coloration depends on the relative proportions of these two elements in the stone’s structure. The color of the turquoise varies from pale sky blue to deep blueish-green to various shades of brown.
Turquoise can deflect other stones of the same color. It may also act as a “catalyst” in such situations, enhancing the effect of other chromatic stones, especially blue or green beryl.
Uses of the Persian Turquoise Gemstone
Persian turquoise is found in various shapes and sizes. These stones are cut and polished by hand, usually into cabochons or beads. The shape of the turquoise stone is determined by several factors, including the quality of the turquoise, sectioned to fit on a ring, and size.
The most expensive Persian turquoise stones come from Iran, ranging from blue to greenish-blue in color, with a copper content of 90%. Turquoise from other sources, such as the United States or Canada, is usually brownish-blue with a copper content of 60%.
Benefits Of Persian Turquoise Gemstone
Persian turquoise is believed to bring good luck, especially in love and marriage. It is also said to help make decisions and recognize a friend, promoting tolerance, communication, and self-discipline.