Turquoise

Turquoise (also turquois) is an opaque blue green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of aluminum and copper. The Native Americans refer to it as skystone because turquoise is made when the heavens (through rain) and earth meet. Turquoise has a high porosity, so it will change over time taking on the oils and moisture it comes into contact with - including your body's. It has been prized as a gem for thousands of years in almost every culture on earth. Sometimes turquoise is enhanced (making the stone harder and darker), stabilized (plastic resin added), or waxed (a surface treament, usually done in China). I strongly prefer natural turquoise, if I can find it. My little turtle friend pictured here is a natural Bisbee turquoise. Turquoise, here in America, is named by the place it which it was mined, thus all the funny names: Fox, Ajax, Thunder Blue, Crow, etc. etc. Crystal and New Age believers value turquoise for its "healing" properties both mentally and physically (as do those who believe in its spiritual properties). I'm not really sure how they think it works. One example includes dipping Turquoise in water gaving the water the ability to cure bladder ailments (and I've been drinking cranberry juice!). Supposedly it can heal the eye simply by looking at it. It has spiritual associations with various cultures most noteably Native American and Middle Eastern. I like turquoise because I am facsinated by its beauty and the amazing uniqueness in each stone. Here are a few of my favorite turquoise websites:

Tortoise Turquoise, Skystone Trading Co., and Turquoise Buffalo