For thousands of years, turquoise has captivated humankind with its vibrant hue and mysterious spiritual energies. This striking blue-green mineral has profound meanings across cultures, making it one of the most universally treasured gems.
From indigenous peoples of the Americas to the royalty of ancient Egypt, turquoise has long been prized as a stone of healing, protection and deep spiritual power. But what is it exactly that makes this opaque, veined gem so special? Let’s explore the mystical properties ascribed to turquoise throughout history.
Origins and History of Turquoise
The name “turquoise” dates to the 17th century, derived from the French for “Turkish stone” because it was first brought to Europe by Venetian traders via Turkey. But turquoise use dates back some 5,500 years to ancient Mesopotamia when it adorned royal jewelry and decorative objects.
Turquoise mines have been found in the Sinai Peninsula and Egypt’s famous “Cleopatra’s Mines.” Ancient Persians adorned their ceremonial daggers with turquoise, while the Aztecs, Mayans and Incans of South America used it extensively in mosaic art and jewelry. Native Americans have treasured turquoise for millennia, incorporating it into crafts, ceremonial artifacts and body paint.
Chemical Properties
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that forms in arid, weathered volcanic rock, often containing veins of darker matrix running through it. Chemically it is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, with traces of iron and chrome.
The vivid blue color comes from copper, while traces of iron lend a greenish tint. No two turquoises are alike – each has a unique color and patterning based on its mineral makeup.
Spiritual Meanings and Symbolism of Turquoise
Across cultures, turquoise has been invested with deep symbolic significance, thought to confer mystical powers and protection:
- Ancient Persians believed the sky was turquoise colored and the earth reflected that hue. Turquoise thus represented heaven and earth united.
- In the Buddhist tradition, turquoise represents wisdom and transcendence. It is thought to promote deeper meditation.
- Native Americans view turquoise as a sacred conduit between mortal and spirit realm. The Apache believed turquoise stones along their trails allowed spirits to find their way home.
- Ancient Egyptians saw turquoise as representing regeneration and life itself. Miners prayed to the goddess Hathor for turquoise deposits.
With its blue and green tones evoking water and nature, turquoise has long been symbolic of cleansing, fertility and prosperity. Nearly all cultures across the globe have recognized turquoise as a protective amulet and a stone of power.
Metaphysical Properties
In crystal healing traditions, turquoise is believed to carry potent metaphysical properties:
- Turquoise is thought to absorb negative energy and promote inner calm.
- It is believed to enhance wisdom, trust, kindness and understanding.
- Turquoise purportedly brings prosperity as it fosters creativity and balanced risk-taking.
- It is considered a stone of friendship that can ease communication problems.
- Turquoise is believed to draw happiness and good fortune to its wearer.
Whether or not one ascribes to the mystical properties, it’s clear turquoise has endured as a symbol of the human quest for inner peace, harmony with others and good fortune.
Healing Properties and Benefits of Turquoise
For millennia, turquoise has been used for healing and wellness among indigenous peoples worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine utilized powdered turquoise for stomach, asthma and eye ailments. Hindu Ayurvedic healers prescribed turquoise for mental disorders. Here are some of the top healing properties associated with turquoise:
Emotional Healing
Turquoise is believed to be a stone of inner truth, wisdom and understanding. It is said to help restore trust, promote self-realization and grant solace during difficult times. Many crystal healers prescribe it for releasing irrational fears, calming and lifting depression.
Physical Healing
Turquoise purportedly has anti-inflammatory effects and can ease arthritis, gout, stomach problems, headaches and viral infections. It is considered detoxifying for the body and soothing for the eyes. Some natural health practitioners prescribe it for asthma, as the color resonates with the respiratory system.
Chakra and Energy Healing
In Eastern traditions, turquoise influences the thyroid, heart and throat chakras. It is said to have a balancing, calming energy that can attune inherently chaotic vibrations. It purportedly absorbs electromagnetic radiation and negative energy.
Many energy healers place turquoise stones over areas of injury or pain, believing the mineral has restorative effects. Wearing turquoise is thought to keep the meridians and energy fields aligned and balanced.
Using Turquoise for Spiritual Practices
If you want to harness the purported mystical properties of turquoise, here are some ways to incorporate it into spiritual work:
Meditation and Ritual
Hold a turquoise stone during meditation to enhance tranquility, insight and wisdom. Use it in rituals for improved communication skills and emotional balance. Turquoise can also foster trust in relationships.
Amulets and Talismans
Wear or carry turquoise jewelry to serve as a protective amulet. Some believe it safeguards against environmental pollutants and radiation. It is thought to ward off the evil eye and negative energy.
Crystal Grids and Altars
Include turquoise stones or polished tumbles in crystal grids meant to clear negative vibrations from a space. Turquoise enhances altars dedicated to personal growth and spiritual awakening.
Hold a turquoise palm stone during yoga to deepen breathing and meditation. Massage body points with turquoise to balance the energy meridians and clear blocked chakras. It is calming for Reiki and other energy healing modalities.
Whether you work with its mystical properties or simply admire its uniqueness, turquoise remains a perennially favored gemstone. This striking mineral continues to captivate us, just as it did our ancient ancestors so long ago.