Turquoise Facts

There is no shortage of myths and legends surrounding turquoise, but the turquoise facts can be just as interesting as the lore.

Turquoise is formed in dry, arid climates where copper and other key elements present. Most stones are formed by the combination of copper, aluminum and phosphate. These elements combine to form turquoise stones of varying colors and harness and characteristics.

One of the more interesting turquoise facts is how certain factors play a role in the value of turquoise. For instance, in America, collectors value stones that vary in color and feature a matrix or veining. In other countries, this may be considered a flaw and a more sky blue stone is favored.

Turquoise Facts: Mining

Turquoise mining exists in many parts of the world, but one of the most famous regions is the American Southwest. Some of the turquoise facts most people don’t take into consideration is the long history of mining in the region.

Ancient tribes discovered turquoise long before European settlers set foot in the Southwest.

Yet many modern deposits were discovered by copper miners who came across veins of the blue stone, one of many interesting turquoise facts that has yet to become common knowledge.

Turquoise Facts: Jewelry

Southwestern style jewelry as we know it today is different from that made by the earliest discoverers of the stone. Silver and turquoise weren’t used together until the 19th Century, when a Navajo man learned the trade of silver working.This is one of the widely overlooked turquoise facts.

One of the interesting turquoise facts is that the stone was used as a bead and strung on necklaces and bracelets made from a variety of materials, such as animal hide and other organic materials.

Turquoise Facts: Conclusion

There are plenty of interesting turquoise facts out there and plenty of myths as well. The stone has played a crucial role in many cultures for thousands of years.