The Alluring Turquoise
In North America most Turquoise grows in dry copper rich regions hence Southwest mines produce the largest amounts. It has been mined since early prehistoric times. Although rare deposits have also been discovered in Alabama and southern Virginia.Elsewhere it’ s been found in Peru, Australia, Iran, Siberia, China, Ethiopia, France, Germany, and the Sinai Peninsula. Today,it is found in Iran, China and the American Southwest. Chemically Turquoise is a chemical combination of Copper, Aluminum, phosphorus and hydroxyl- OH groups as deposits along fractures and cavities in the mother rock. The blue color is the result of copper in the stone.
The deeper shade of blue, the more copper present. Iron present in Turquoise presents various shades of green. The ancient ancestors valued Turquoise as the supreme life giving power and a protection stone during transition from this life.Cerrillios mines had in fact the
largest deposit of turquoise on the American continent.
Turquoise is worn by healers as it gets you in tune with the person requiring healing. It promotes peace and prosperity, good fortune, strength and protection. The next time you purchase turquoise for adornment ,remember it is much more than a pretty piece of Jewelry!