Turquoise is a striking stone and, while it is found in locations throughout the world, it is perhaps most associated with the US Southwest. Most specifically, it is synonymous with the Native American tribes of this region – especially the Navajo and the Zuni.
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is a semi-precious stone comprised of an aggregate of the natural minerals copper and aluminium. Generally blue to green in color (due to its copper content) and often with a spiderweb of veins (matrix) that represents the surrounding rock, its finer grades are quite rare. It has been prized as a gemstone for many thousands of years by numerous empires all over the world.
The stone is found in dry, barren lands where copper-rich acidic groundwater seeps into the earth and reacts with aluminum- and phosphorus-containing minerals. The resulting semi-translucent to opaque porous stone has been found as far afield as Iran, Sinai, China, Tibet, Afghanistan, Turkestan, Bulgaria, India, Australia, Chile, and in the southwest states of the USA (especially Arizona and Nevada).
The Power of Turquoise
Turquoise has been esteemed as a talisman and even a holy stone for many thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to the Levant, the ancient Persian Empire and Mesopotamia to ancient China, and among Native American tribes throughout both the North and South American continents, the stone is valued not just for its striking beauty but also its esoteric qualities.
- Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December and is the 11th Anniversary stone.
- According to ancient and New Age wisdom, turquoise has many spiritual properties. The stone is important in Wicca and spiritualism practices and it is esteemed for protection, healing, good fortune, and success. It is said to assist with communication, enhance creativity, promote positive energy, and bring balance.
- At least as far back as 4000 BC, turquoise was buried in ancient Egyptian tombs. The ancient Egyptians called it “mefkat” which means “delight” and “joy”. Even Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s gold burial mask is inlaid with turquoise, alongside lapis lazuli, carnelian, and glass.
- Turquoise is mentioned in the Holy Bible’s Old Testament (it is a stone in the Jewish High Priest’s breastplate, described in Exodus Chapter 28) and in the Holy Quran.
- The Aztecs saw turquoise as the embodiment of fire.
- Ancient Persians favored the stone for thousands of years to adorn turbans, bridles, and buildings including mosques, and worn about the neck or wrist to protect against unnatural death. It was eventually brought from Persia to India where it even decorates the Taj Mahal.
- Brought to Europe along the Silk Road from Turkey, Europeans particularly associated the stone as a protective talisman for horses and their riders. It also became popular in Europe in the 1800s and early 1900s in Egyptian revival jewelry.
- Archaeologists have found turquoise jewelry and other goods in pre-Columbian burial sites in Mexico, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and many locations in Central America.
- In 1519, Montezuma, believing Cortes was Quetzalcoatl, gifted him turquoise, which was considered to be the god’s favorite gemstone.
Native Americans and Turquoise
There is arguably no greater association for turquoise today than the one it shares with the Navajo and Zuni. It is sacred to these Native American peoples, and they favor it in their arts, crafts, and Native American turquoise jewelry.
- According to Native American belief, the Earth itself is a living being and all things in Nature are precious. Turquoise is believed to represent life, the hues of the earth and the sky, and the two are connected within the stone.
- The Navajo have a legend that pieces of turquoise are pieces of the sky that have fallen to earth. Another legend describes how, after an extended drought, human tears seeped into the earth when rains finally came, and that turquoise formed from them.
- Many Native American tribes, from the ancient Maya and Aztecs to the Navajo and the Acoma Pueblo have associated turquoise with spirit communication, healing, and good fortune.
- Turquoise is considered to be able to change colour depending upon its environment. It is seen as a dynamic, “living” stone of profound power and significance.
- According to another Navajo legend, the goddess Estsanatlehi, who is honored in coming-of-age ceremonies, was birthed from turquoise.
Southwest Tribal Turquoise Associations
Navajo: A stone of great fortune, turquoise is commonly gifted by and between Navajo and many traditionally hang turquoise in their homes to protect their families from evil. The stone was also traditionally carried into battle by Navajo warriors for protection.
Zuni: Like the Inca, Maya, and Aztecs before them, the Zuni believe that turquoise is protective against demons. Blue stones represent men while green turquoise represents women.
Hopi: Turquoise is believed to be the “waste product” of the Lizard spirit that traverses the Heavens and the Earth – and, interestingly, the Hopi rarely use stones in their jewelry!
Apache: Turquoise represents the rain found at the Rainbow’s End. Pieces were tied to their bows for strength, skill, and safety in battle- the stone was believed to afford the archer a dead-on aim.
Pima: this southwest Pueblo Tribe associates turquoise with skill and healing.
Turquoise Jewelry at Indian Traders
Navajo and Zuni silversmiths beautifully incorporate turquoise into their jewelry designs. Each of these tribal groups has its distinctive jewelry style and we have a large catalog of Native American turquoise jewelry for purchase.
With pieces to suit any budget, our merchandise is handcrafted by genuine Native artisans unless otherwise stated and, also unless stated otherwise, pieces are genuine turquoise and they carry the silversmith’s hallmark. By shopping with us, you are directly supporting the Nations to which these artisans belong.
Explore our range of Native American necklaces, Native American bracelets, and much more today.