Turquoise is created when water comes into contact with copper and aluminium minerals, and the stones blue colour comes from the copper content. For millennia turquoise has been mined in Egypt, near the Red Sea, in Persia and in Anatolia, which is in modern day Turkey. Ottoman Turks valued the stone so much, that it saw them control mining operations in these countries. Turquoise entered the European markets via Turkey. From the 13th century onwards the stone is known as turquoise, or the Turkish stone. Turquoise is a very porous gemstone. Changes in temperature and humidity can affect its colour. Subsequently the majority of gem quality turquoise on the market is injected with a waxy resin to help stabilise the colour.
In Persia turquoise was used to protect one from physical injury. Turquoise will assist ones communication activities, both written and oral. It acts to induce wisdom and understanding, and to enhance trust, and kindness. It is said to promote spontaneity in issues of romantic and to stimulate the initiation of romantic love. Turquoise is the master healer. It emanates a purifying energy and dissipates external negativity and psychic attack.
The majority of turquoise in the global gemstone market is from United States and Mexico. Mine's such as Kingman, Sleeping Beauty, Campo Frio have produced beautiful turquoise for many years. But 95% of the turquoise that I sell comes from Persia, or Iran. I prefer it because its easier to find with very little or no matrix, and the fact that it's always slightly harder than it's American and Chinese counterparts. Making for much nicer cabochons. In my opinion.