Turquoise

Turquoise is an opaque, blue to blue-green mineral that has been valued for thousands of years for its vivid color and ornamental use. It forms through the weathering and oxidation of copper-rich rocks and often contains veins or patches of matrix from its host rock. With a Mohs hardness of 5 to 6, Turquoise is somewhat soft compared to other gemstones and is often stabilized for durability in jewelry.

Major sources of Turquoise include the southwestern United States (notably Arizona and New Mexico), Iran, China, and Egypt. It has held cultural and spiritual significance in many ancient civilizations, including Native American, Persian, and Egyptian cultures, where it was used in amulets, ceremonial objects, and royal adornments. Today, Turquoise remains a symbol of protection, wisdom, and good fortune, widely used in both traditional and modern jewelry.