Turquoise Jewelry: An Oasis in the Desert

• Turquoise stone is formed in dry areas when it rains. The water dissolves copper in the soil and rocks it comes into contact with and combines with aluminum, phosphorus, iron and chrome.
• The dark, brownish spider web pattern that you see on some turquoise is called matrix and is part of the host rock.
• Turquoise might be the first stone that was ever mined, with evidence that it was mined back in Ancient Egypt before 4000 BC. 
• The gem was popular with rulers of the ancient Aztecs, Egyptians, Persians and Chinese.
• Today, most turquoise deposits are in the U.S., and the gem is most well-known for its use in Native American jewelry.
• It is the traditional gift for spouses on their 11th wedding anniversary, representing communication and mutual understanding.
• Turquoise is the only gemstone to officially have a color named after it.
• It is one of the December birthstones, along with tanzanite, topaz and zircon.

Turquoise is believed by some to provide wisdom, tranquility, protection and good luck.

Bisebee turquoise is one of the rarest turquoise shades. It has a distinctly darker blue color and chocolate brown matrix. Another extremely rare type is called Lander Blue Spider Web turquoise. This kind is characterized by a medium blue color that is almost entirely covered in black matrix.

All types of turquoise are becoming more rare, as less of it is being found or actively searched for during mining. Completely natural turquoise, in particular, is valuable because most specimens today have been altered to enhance their color and/or fragile quality. 

Kennedee Ford contributed to this article.