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The
Lore And Beauty Of Turquoise
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by: Lee
Dobbins
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Turquoise has
been sought after for centuries for it’s beauty
and healing powers. Well known for it’s uses in
Native American jewelry and carvings, it has been
used for centuries and dates back to ancient Egypt
as evidenced by turquoise jewelry found in the
ancient Egyptian tombs.
This popular stone can range in color from vivid
sky blue to a yellowish green color and is found
in mines all over the world. Although quite porous
in nature, most turquoise has been stabilized for
use in modern jewelry which renders it less apt to
chip and protects it from discoloration due to
exposure from body oils. Turquoise can be strung
as beads, carved into animal fetishes and combined
with a variety of other stones to make striking
handmade jewelry.
Turquoise gem stones are reputed to have powerful
healing properties. This stone is said to help
with public speaking as well as enhance calmness
and creativity. The wearer of turquoise my also
notice improved wisdom and honesty as well as a
new sense of empathy. It has also been used to
help enhance relationships, strengthen the bond in
friendships and allow one to have a better
connection with their inner self. It’s healing
properties are associated with the respiratory,
skeletal and digestive systems and has long been
used to cleanse the body of toxins.
Turquoise is mined in many places around the world
including Iran, China, Turkey, Persia, Egypt
adnNorth America. The color of the stone depends
on the minerals that are in the ground. Blue
stones are found where copper is present, green
stones are found where iron is present a yellowish
green stone which is quite rare is found where
zinc is present and the White Buffalo turquoise
found in Nevada is mined where there are no
minerals present.
If you wear turquoise jewelry, take care to clean
it carefully. This porous stone can be easily
damaged if submerged in chemical cleaners. Never
use steam or ultrasonic cleaners for your gemstone
jewelry. The gentlest method of cleaning is to dip
a Q-tip in warm soapy water and wipe the stone
with that - wipe again with plain water to remove
any soap residue.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of Artisan
Jewelry Online where you can learn more about turquoise
jewelry.
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