Blue Turquoise Myths

Turquoise has been a treasured gemstone around the world for thousands of years. It was used for beads by the Egyptians as early as 5500 BC. The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 BC. In many cultures, Turquoise is regarded as a harbinger of good fortune, success and health.

In ancient Persia it was once believed that the wearing of turquoise talismans would protect the wearer from death.  It was also believed – not only among Persians but also among a number of other cultures – that a change in the color of the turquoise was a sign of danger or illness. Aztecs and Egyptians considered it a symbol of prosperity. In India, one was to wear a Turquoise on the little finger and look at the gem after seeing the new moon to gain great wealth. According to American Indians, the stone brought together the spirits of sea and sky to bless warriors and hunters; a Turquoise arrowhead assured accurate aim. A Navajo belief is that a piece of Turquoise cast into a river will cause rainfall. Ancient doctors exploited the stone's medicinal potential by making it into paste to treat ailments of the hip. The Egyptians also mounted Turquoise in Silver to treat eyes suffering from cataracts. From the thirteenth century comes the belief that Turquoise possessed the power to protect the wearer from injury by falling, especially from horseback; later, this was extended to cover falls from buildings or over a precipice.

Read more about Turquoise facts, myths, history, origin, types, Chinese turquoise, American turquoise, sleeping beauty turquoise and more jewelry and gems education.