The Gemstone of December - Turquoise

December’s birthstone is Turquoise, and is also known as the 5th and 11th wedding anniversary stone. Its hue can span from the normal green blue to a light sky blue. It is supposed by some that turquoise got its name from “pierre turquoise” which means “Turkish stone” in French.

Some people think that the name comes from the Persian word “fiouze” which means turquoise. The Egyptians mined turquoise as far back as 6,000 BC. Some may be surprised when they learn that the finest turquoise comes from Iran, not the American Southwest. You can find exclusive pieces in areas such as Arizona and New Mexico, and areas such as Australia and Afghanistan.

For centuries turquoise has been treated as a holy gem stone and as a good fortune talisman. Ancient Egyptian tombs from about 3,000 B.C. contain the oldest proof of human kind’s awareness of turquoise. There were lovely artifacts adorned with this popular gem stone that were hidden with the royal dead.

The tomb of Queen Zer was unburied in 1900. There was a turquoise and gold bracelet that was found on her wrist, making it one of the oldest pieces of jewelry to have ever been found.

Turquoise has had a sacred place in the religious rituals of North American Indians and by the Tibetans who embrace it in their rituals and ceremonies. People all over the world think that turquoise has the ability to help mental and spiritual clarity to enhance wisdom, trust, understanding, and kindness.

Ancient Persians thought that the sky blue gemstones could be worn as protection to ward off unnatural death if worn around the neck. This gemstone is known worldwide as being a good luck charm to help avert accidents.

Turquoise is not only beautiful its bright color offers self confidence to different personalities, and is normally given as a token of friendship. Turquoise is allied to faithful and long lasting relationships.

Published by www.MiltonGems.co.uk. Find a stunning selection of December / turquoise birthstone jewellery. Find more about birthstones here.