The birthstone of December 22is turquoise, a vibrant blue-green mineral prized for its unique color and beauty. It is a popular gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewelryand other decorative items.

In this article, we will delve into the history, properties, and significance of turquoise as the birthstone of December 22.

The History Of Turquoise

Turquoise is a mineral that has a rich history that spans thousands of years and multiple cultures. The name "turquoise" comes from the Old French word "turquoise", which means "Turkish", as the stone was first brought to Europe through Turkey.

Turquoise was one of the first gemstonesto be used by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Persians, and Aztecs. The ancient Egyptians used turquoise in jewelry, inlaying it into goldto create intricate and beautiful pieces.

The ancient Persians believed that turquoise had powerful spiritual properties and would decorate their horses, weapons, and buildings with it to protect against evil spirits. The Aztecs also held turquoise in high esteem and used it in religious ceremonies and as a currency.

Turquoise was also highly prized by the Native American tribes of the Southwest United States, where it has been mined for centuries. The Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni tribes used turquoise in their jewelry and other decorative items, and it remains an important part of their cultural heritage to this day.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, turquoise became popular in the United States and Europe as a gemstone for jewelry making. During this time, it was often set in sterling silverand combined with other stones, such as coral and opal, to create beautiful and unique pieces.

The Properties Of Turquoise

Turquoise is a mineral that is prized for its unique color and beauty. It is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum and is formed by the precipitation of mineral-rich waters in the earth’s crust.

Turquoise has a hardness of 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively soft mineral. This softness makes it susceptible to scratching and chipping, but also allows it to be carved into intricate shapes and designs.

The color of turquoise ranges from blue to green, with the intensity of the color depending on the amount of copper and iron present in the stone. The most prized turquoise has a bright blue color with a uniform matrix.

Turquoise is also a porous mineral, which means that it can absorb liquids and chemicals easily. This can lead to discoloration and degradation of the stone if it is not properly cared for. To prevent this, it is important to avoid exposing turquoise to harsh chemicals and to store it in a dry place.

In terms of its metaphysical properties, turquoise is believed to have a calming effect on the wearer and to promote inner peace and balance. It is also said to protect against negative energies and to bring good luck and prosperity.

The Significance Of Turquoise As The Birthstone Of December 22

Turquoise is the perfect birthstone for those born on December 22nd as it is said to bring good luck, protection, and prosperity.

According to legend, turquoise can help to calm the mind and promote communication and self-expression. It is also believed to have healing properties, especially for ailments of the throat, such as sore throat or hoarseness.

The Beauty Of Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise jewelry is a beautiful and versatile addition to any jewelry collection, prized for its unique color and versatility. This mineral is known for its distinctive blue-to-green color, with variations ranging from a pale, almost turquoise hue to a rich, intense blue.

The color of the stone is influenced by the amount of copper and iron present in the mineral, with the most prized turquoise having a bright blue color and a uniform matrix.

Turquoise is a versatile stone that can be set in a variety of metals, including silver, gold, and platinum. It can be carved into intricate shapes and designs and is often used in traditional Native American jewelry styles.

However, its beauty is not limited to traditional designs. Turquoise can also be used in contemporary and modern jewelry styles, making it a popular choice for a wide range of tastes and preferences.

The Variations Of Birthstone Of December 22

There are several variations of turquoise, including natural turquoise, stabilized turquoise, and treated turquoise. Natural turquoise is the purest form of stone, but it is also the most expensive and can be difficult to find.

Stabilized turquoise has been treated to improve its durability and stability, making it a popular choice for jewelry making. Treated turquoise has been dyed or otherwise altered to enhance its color, making it less valuable than natural or stabilized turquoise.

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The Care And Maintenance Of Turquoise

Turquoise is a beautiful and delicate mineral that requires proper care and maintenance to maintain its beauty. As a porous mineral, it is susceptible to damage from liquids and chemicals, so it is important to be mindful of how you wear and store your turquoise jewelry.

To maintain the beauty of your turquoise jewelry, it is important to avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, such as household cleaners and perfumes. These chemicals can discolor the stone and cause damage to the surface. It is also important to avoid exposing the stone to extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to crack or change color.

When not in use, it is best to store turquoise jewelry in a dry place, such as a jewelry boxor a fabric-lined drawer. This will help to prevent the absorption of moisture and other liquids, which can cause damage to the stone.

Turquoise can also be prone to scratching, so it is important to take care when storing your jewelry with other items. Soft cloth pouches or bags are a good option for individual pieces, and separating them from other jewelry can help to prevent damage.

In terms of cleaning, it is best to clean turquoise jewelry gently with a soft cloth. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface of the stone. If your turquoise jewelry becomes dirty or discolored, a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water can be used to gently clean the surface.

People Also Ask

What Is The Birthstone Of December 22?

The birthstone of December 22 is turquoise.

What Are The Properties Of Turquoise?

Turquoise is known for its blue-to-green color, with variations ranging from a pale, almost turquoise hue to a rich, intense blue.

How Do I Care For Turquoise Jewelry?

To care for turquoise jewelry, it is important to avoid exposing it to liquids and harsh chemicals. Clean it gently with a soft cloth and store it in a dry place to maintain its beauty.

Conclusion

Turquoise, the birthstone of December 22, is a stunning and versatile gemstone with a rich history and significance. Whether you are a collector, jewelry enthusiast, or just appreciate its beauty, turquoise is a gemstone that is sure to captivate and delight.

With its vibrant blue-green color and reputed spiritual and healing properties, it is no wonder that turquoise is such a popular birthstone and jewelry choice. Whether you are looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry or just want to add some color and vibrancy to your life, the birthstone of December 22, turquoise, is a great choice.