Turquoise & Zircon, December Birthstones

 

Turquoise is among the oldest known gemstones and its popularity has spanned the globe for centuries. As a fact, the world has had a fascination for turquoise for over 7000 years.

Information facts:

The Turquoise graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs. The oldest known example of any jewelry carved from Turquoise and set in gold was a bracelet found on the mummy of an Egyptian queen.

In the American Southwest, Native Americans have mined Turquoise since prehistoric times. Many legends surround Turquoise; it is believed to bring good fortune and health.

While Turquoise was once used as currency in the American Southwest, it has been treasured as an adornment throughout the centuries worldwide.

This beautiful ‘robin’s egg’ blue gemstone has been attributed with healing powers, promoting the wearer’s status and wealth, protecting from evil and bringing good luck.

Turquoise is an opaque, light to dark blue or blue-green gem. People say that its finest color is being an intense blue. Turquoise may contain narrow veins of other materials either isolated or as a network. They are usually black, brown, or yellowish-brown in color. Known as the matrix, these veins of color are sometimes in the form of an intricate pattern, called a spider web.  

While the demand for Turquoise has increased dramatically, the supply of genuine Turquoise is limited. To satisfy the demand for Turquoise, many have turned to man-made imitations, often plastic or other dyed material.

 

Information facts:

Most people think of a bright sky blue when they hear Zircon, but it is also available in beautiful earth tones of green, dark red, yellow, brown, and orange.

In the Middle Ages, Zircon was said to aid in resting, to bring prosperity and to promote honor and wisdom in its owner.

Today, the most popular colors of Zircon are the vivid blue and bright Caribbean Sea colors. The spectrum of beautiful colors, its rarity and affordability are why it is becoming very popular in current time. Some gem collectors seek out Zircon from different locations capturing gems in every color of the rainbow – colorless, green, blue, yellow, brown, orange, dark red, and all the colors in between.

 

Recommended list for reading and discussion:

               Etan, Eric. (2011) Turquoise. – Gareth Stevens Publishers. –
               24 pages. (Gems: Nature’s Jewels).