Turquoise History
This Geology and Geography section will help you find the locations
of mines and sources of Quartz and other minerals, gemstones, semi-precious
stones, metals and other natural resources. From the Brazilian Mining phenomenon
to other locations of World mining locations for Global Resources for mineral
deposits, mineral mines and Gold mines.
Most Turquoise deposits are in arid to semi-arid regions in igneous rock formations
that contain high copper concentrations. Deposits of Turquoise can be found
in Afghanistan, Africa, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Egypt, Europe,
Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Russia, Siberia, Tanzania, Turkey, and the
United States.
United States of America
There are Turquoise deposits in New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Virginia, California
and Colorado. American Turquoise specimens are generally greener than stones
from around the world and have white or brown matrices. Most pieces of Turquoise
from the US are too pale, porous or chalky; only about 10% of the Turquoise
recovered in the US is of gem quality. The Arizona copper mines-These mines
are famous for many exquisite mineral specimens, including Turquoise. Virginia-Miners
found the first examples of crystalline Turquoise in Virginia in 1911, but Virginia
has never been a source for much gem turquoise.
Middle East-The major sources are in the Sinai Peninsula and Iran. Iran-The
finest of the world’s Turquoise specimens come from the deposits in Northeastern
Iran. The stones from here have the much sought after Robin’s Egg Blue
with few or now streaks and are among the most valuable opaque gemstones. To
no surprise Turquoise is the national gem of Iran. Sinai Peninsula-The Egyptians
began mining Turquoise here as early as 5500 BC.
This section is intended to uncover references in history to gems, gemstones, minerals, crystals, precious metals and semi-precious stones and to investigate the role they played in the development of the cultures in which they were utilized. We believe examples of royal jewelry and ancient jewelry from anthropology, sociology and archaeology from the ancient societies of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and especially the work of Pre-Columbian American cultures of the North American Indians, Aztecs, Mayans, and Incans to be of craftsmanship that has not been equaled since. Where possible in our history of jewelry, we’ve tried to include methods of manufacture, materials and technology. From the bible, commerce, celestial beliefs to modern crystal collecting.
Middle East
Egypt-The history of Turquoise use in the Middle East coincides with the beginning
of civilization itself. Turquoise mining began in the Sinai Peninsula around
5500 BC. The stones taken from these mines served jewelry, amulet and cosmetic
purposes for millennia. In 1900, archaeologists who excavated the tomb of the
Egyptian Queen Zer (5500 BC) found a Turquoise and gold bracelet on her wrist.
These are the world’s oldest known examples of surviving jewelry.
Persia-Around 3200 BC, the kings of Egypt began annual mining expeditions to
the Sinai. In Persia, Archaeologists have found beads of Turquoise that date
around 5000 BC. Amulets from 600 AD contained carvings of Islamic and Persian
Proverbs. The fine stones from this area were important sources of trade and
were found in graves as far away as Turkestan and the Caucasus. These revered
stones, so important to the Persian culture, were called Ferozah, which meant
victorious. In modern times, Iran honors Turquoise as its national gemstone.
The Bible-The book of Exodus contains an important reference to Turquoise. The
Breastplate of the Hebrew High Priest Aaron contained twelve stones set in four
rows. Turquoise was the first stone on the second row.
Pre-Columbian America
Southwestern United States-The Anasazi had opened their Turquoise mines by 1000
AD and had established extensive trading practices with the peoples of what
is now Mexico. The mining locations included locations in Arizona, New Mexico
and Colorado. In cities such as Chaco Canyon, the Anasazi traded their Turquoise
for the feathers of tropical birds. As demand for the Anasazi Turquoise grew
in the south, the society at Chaco Canyon grew wealthy. The ancient Turquoise
jewelry of the Zuni tribes was characterized by prominent inserts of the stone.
Navajo Turquoise jewelry features die-stamped designs. In the 16th century,
the cultures of the American Southwest used Turquoise as currency. It was also
often found on the facades of Indian homes.
Mexico-Aztec Turquoise mines began operating between 900-1000 AD.
Asia
By the middle of the first millennium, AD, China had begun using Turquoise and
although they had mines in their empire, they imported most of their stones
from Persians, the Turks, the Tibetans and Mongols. Japan’s use of Turquoise
began in the 18th Century AD.
Europe
Around 500 BC, inhabitants in Siberia had begun using the stone, But it did
not gain favor with Western European fashion until the late middle ages when
trade with the Near and Middle East had increased. The origin of the word Turquoise
is French and comes from Venetian Traders, who bought it from the great bazaars
in Turkey, though the Turkish traders brought it from the Persian mines. Shakespeare’s
"The Merchant of Venice” features a Turquoise ring. The Aesthetic
Period (1880-1901) responded to the strict provisions of Queen Victoria’s
mourning and jewelry became more whimsical; Turquoise played a large role in
the jewelry of this period but played an even greater role during the Romantic
Period (1837 to 1860). The light gold worked jewelry of this period contained
fine gems that were often accented by Turquoise.
Turquoise Mine List | Grades & Quality | Healing Beliefs | Physical Properties | Spiritual Beliefs | Symbolism | USGS History | General Information | Other Gemstones
Go Shopping:
Bracelets
| Cabochons
| Pendants
| Pins
| Earrings
If you have a collection of Early Western Americana, American Turquoise, Gemstones, Lapidary or Smithing Tools or Mining Tools we are always in the market to buy!
Contact Information:
17897 Hwy 160 W
Durango, CO 81301
Phone: 970.375.2401