Turquoise Stone: Meaning and Powers

Turquoise has been cherished throughout history, valued for its rich symbolism and vibrant presence in many cultures. This striking gemstone admired for its captivating blue-green hue forms through a chemical reaction involving copper and aluminum, often found in arid regions where copper and iron percolate through the earth. Native American tribes and ancient civilizations even revered it as a stone of protection, often incorporating it into ceremonial jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces. Turquoise is renowned for its unique blue-green color, making it beneficial for self-expression. In this guide, you will uncover the meaning of turquoise, its healing properties, and why it has been cherished throughout history.

Turquoise meaning

Inner balance:  Turquoise may hold a connection to inner balance, offering a sense of peace when life feels overwhelming. Some believe it could gently support emotional healing by helping you navigate moments of uncertainty. The way it has been valued for centuries suggests it may carry a deep-rooted energy that brings a feeling of calmness when kept close.

Wisdom and protection:  This stone has also been cherished across cultures, often seen as something that could symbolize wisdom and protection. It may be associated with the idea of stability, offering a feeling of reassurance when emotions seem unsettled. The way its presence has been valued for centuries hints at a connection to clarity, possibly bringing a renewed sense of understanding.

Encourage a gentle flow of thoughts:  Many have viewed Turquoise as a stone that may encourage a gentle flow of thoughts, allowing you to express yourself with more ease. It has long been regarded as something that could support truthful communication, helping you approach conversations with a sense of openness. The way it has been treasured in ancient traditions suggests it may carry a soft energy that promotes harmony in personal interactions.

Idea of protection:  Turquoise has often been linked to the idea of protection, symbolizing a sense of strength through challenging times. It may hold a connection to spiritual awareness, helping you feel more connected to the world around you. Some believe that carrying or wearing it could bring a feeling of inner steadiness, making it easier to move through life with confidence.

Turquoise spiritual meaning

Connection to wisdom:  Turquoise has been valued for its connection to wisdom, often seen as something that could support spiritual awareness. Some believe it may gently guide you toward deeper understanding, allowing you to feel more connected to your path. Its long history suggests it has been viewed as a symbol of inner peace, possibly bringing a sense of clarity when seeking answers within.

Connection to higher consciousness:  Many have associated Turquoise with a connection to higher consciousness, believing it may help create a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Some see it as a stone that could bring a feeling of harmony, making it easier to trust your intuition. Its presence in various traditions suggests it has been regarded as something that represents spiritual protection, offering a sense of calm in moments of reflection.

Turquoise mines

Turquoise has been mined from well-known locations across the world, each producing material with distinct characteristics. The Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona, was famous for its bright, clear material with little to no matrix before it closed in 2012. The Kingman Mine in Mohave County, Arizona, remains one of the most active sources, producing stones in a range of deep and rich tones. The Bisbee Mine, located in Cochise County, Arizona, has been known for its high-quality material, often featuring a deep blue color with striking brown or reddish matrix.

Nevada is home to some of the most diverse turquoise deposits, with mines like the Royston Mine near Tonopah producing stones with deep green and blue combinations. The Lander Blue Mine, a small but highly valuable source, is known for its rare deep blue material with fine black spiderweb matrix. The Pilot Mountain Mine, located near Mina, Nevada, has long produced material with color variations ranging from sky blue to deep teal, often mixed with golden brown patterns.

Iran has been one of the most historically significant sources, with the Nishapur Mine in the Razavi Khorasan Province producing material for over a thousand years. Persian turquoise is often recognized for its pure and vibrant tones, free from matrix, making it highly sought after for jewelry and artifacts. Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula has been another historic location, with mines such as Serabit el-Khadim dating back to ancient times, providing material that was once used by pharaohs and royalty.

China has also been a major producer, with deposits in Hubei Province yielding a variety of colors and patterns. The Yungai Mine, sometimes called the Cloud Mountain Mine, is well known for producing deep-colored material with intricate spiderweb matrix. Some stones from this region have been shaped into beads, carvings, and inlays, reflecting their importance in craftsmanship. Each of these mines has contributed to the long history and appreciation of this stone, with unique geological conditions shaping the characteristics of the material found in each location.

Turquoise pricing

Turquoise prices can vary widely based on factors like quality, origin, and rarity just like most minerals/gems we talk about. For example, average-quality turquoise cabochons typically sell for $3 to $5 per carat, which equals $15 to $25 per gram.

Higher-quality stones, such as those from the Lander Blue mine in Nevada, are rare and can command prices up to $500 per carat or more.  Stones from the Royston mining district in Nevada, on the other hand, are often available at around $3 per carat.

Similarly, cabochons from the Kingman and Turquoise Mountain mines in Arizona are priced at approximately $3 per carat.  It’s important to note that these prices can fluctuate based on market demand and the specific characteristics of each stone.  Use these are estimates only.

Turquoise birthstone

Turquoise has long been recognized as the birthstone for December, often associated with protection and wisdom. Many cultures have valued it for its rich history and unique appearance. Some believe it may carry a sense of peace, making it a meaningful choice for those born in the final month of the year.