Turquoise: A Stone of Sky, Sea, and Spirit

Few gemstones carry the soul-deep resonance of turquoise. With hues ranging from tranquil sky blue to vivid ocean green, this ancient stone has been cherished across continents and centuries — a symbol of protection, healing, wisdom, and connection to the elements.

For me, turquoise is far more than a birthstone. It evokes clarity, calm, and inner strength — the ocean, the sky, and the grounding spirit between them. It’s a stone I’m deeply drawn to, not just for its beauty, but for its energy and the incredible stories it carries. I source my turquoise stones through a small, trusted business in the USA, whose owners cut the stones themselves and buy directly from the mines. These aren’t factory-made cabs — they are slow-mined, thoughtfully selected, and beautifully finished.

In this journal entry, I’m sharing everything you might want to know about turquoise — from its rich history to how to recognise the real thing, and why its value is soaring again today.

What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a rare opaque gemstone composed of copper and aluminium phosphate. It forms in arid regions where acidic groundwater filters through rocks rich in copper, leaching minerals into voids and fractures to eventually form this remarkable blue-green mineral.

Turquoise is typically rated between 5–6 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it’s softer than quartz but still suitable for jewellery when handled with care. Its colour can vary depending on the ratio of copper (which gives it the blue tones) to iron (which adds green).

Natural turquoise often features a “matrix” — a veining or webbing pattern caused by the surrounding rock. Some collectors love stones with intricate spiderweb matrixes; others seek clean, even-coloured pieces.

A History Etched in Stone

Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humanity, revered across cultures for over 7,000 years. From ancient Egypt to Persia, China, the American Southwest and beyond, turquoise has been worn as amulets, used in sacred rituals, and set into ceremonial jewellery, weaponry, and architecture.

Here’s a brief journey through the places where turquoise has been mined and cherished:

1. Egypt: The First Known Turquoise Mine (c. 4000 BCE)

The ancient Egyptians were among the first to mine turquoise, in the Sinai Peninsula at Serabit el-Khadim. The mines here were worked as early as 4000 BCE. Queen Zer’s tomb (c. 5500 years old) contains turquoise-inlaid jewellery, and Cleopatra famously adored turquoise.

Meaning: Turquoise was believed to bring protection and was used extensively in burial adornments, particularly in scarabs and necklaces.

2. Persia (Modern-Day Iran): The Finest Blues

Iranian turquoise, especially from the Nishapur region, has been prized for over 2,000 years. This high-grade material is typically robin’s-egg blue and virtually matrix-free. Persian turquoise was widely traded along the Silk Road.

Meaning: It symbolised purity, wisdom, and protection from the evil eye. Warriors often mounted it on daggers and bridles for strength in battle.

3. China: Craftsmanship and Symbolism

Turquoise has been carved and treasured in China for at least 3,000 years, used in everything from statues to snuff bottles to jewellery. It became particularly popular in the Qing dynasty.

I sometimes use Yungai turquoise from China (also called Cloud Mountain) – beautiful blues with rich brown matrix.

Meaning: Turquoise was associated with healing, wealth, and spiritual harmony. In Chinese medicine, it was believed to calm emotions and detoxify the body.

4. The Americas: Sacred Stone of the Ancients

Turquoise held enormous cultural significance for the Native peoples of the American Southwest, particularly the Zuni, Navajo, Apache, and Hopi tribes. Ancient mines include:

• Kingman Mine, Arizona – one of the oldest and most famous in the USA.

• Sleeping Beauty, Arizona – known for its pure sky-blue stones with no matrix.

• Lone Mountain, Nevada – famed for its stability and intricate matrix.

• Emerald Valley, Nevada – produces stunning blue-green shades.

• Wild Horse, Arizona – more often a jasper with turquoise-like patterning but still highly sought after.

These mines range in rarity and availability. Some, like Sleeping Beauty, have now closed, making their turquoise even more collectible.

Meaning: Turquoise was considered the ‘fallen sky stone’ and was central to Native American spiritual practice. It was believed to connect earth and sky, providing guidance, protection, and blessings for health and rain.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Turquoise

Across civilisations, turquoise has been associated with:

• Protection – against injury, bad fortune, and negative energy.

• Wisdom – a stone of clear communication and insight.

• Healing – thought to benefit the respiratory and immune systems.

• Calm – soothing emotional storms and bringing inner peace.

• Connection – bridging earth and sky, body and spirit.

In the metaphysical realm, turquoise is linked to the throat chakra, helping with truthful expression, clarity, and authenticity. It’s also thought to balance masculine and feminine energy, offering both strength and softness.

For me, turquoise is about clarity — not just mental, but soulful. It brings a sense of stillness, like standing at the edge of the sea, breathing deeply and feeling both small and infinite.

Why is Natural Turquoise So Expensive Now?

Natural, untreated turquoise is becoming increasingly rare. Most turquoise on the market is either:

• Stabilised – a natural stone hardened with resin or polymer to improve durability.

• Reconstituted – crushed turquoise mixed with resin and shaped into beads or cabochons.

• Dyed howlite or magnesite – white minerals coloured to mimic turquoise.

The closure of key mines (like Sleeping Beauty) has driven up prices. Truly natural stones with no enhancement are now a collector’s dream. That’s why sourcing matters — I choose stones with full transparency on origin and treatment, hand-picked from a trusted source.

What Turquoise Means to Me

As a jeweller, turquoise is my birthstone, but it’s also a lifelong inspiration. I associate it with freedom, clarity, and deep connection — to nature, to oneself, and to something timeless.

That’s why I seek out the best, ethically sourced turquoise — and why I only make pieces that do justice to its story. Each turquoise stone I use is lovingly cut by my trusted USA supplier, sourced directly from independent mines. When I design with turquoise, I do so slowly and intentionally — creating one-of-a-kind pieces that carry both soul and sparkle.

To summerise

Turquoise is more than just a beautiful blue stone — it’s a global story of artistry, belief, and connection. Whether gifted to a loved one or chosen as a talisman of your own, it has the power to ground, uplift, and remind us of the beauty in stillness.

If you’re drawn to turquoise the way I am, you’ll know it when you see the right stone — it will speak to something deep within.

Would you like to explore turquoise jewellery that holds meaning and beauty in every detail?
Browse my turquoise pieces here — or get in touch to discuss a bespoke design that’s yours alone.