If you have a turquoise necklace, you will find the history of turquoise quite fascinating! Loved for many years by thousands of people around the globe, turquoise has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, which attests to it being a valued commodity even in Egyptian times. The Egyptians had to go deep into the Arabian desert to find turquoise and today the best quality turquoise comes from Persia in Iran.

If you have a turquoise necklace or anything made of turquoise, it is extremely popular in the United States today, especially in the Southwestern part. It is considered to be the most valuable non-transparent mineral in the jewelry business. You will find many awesome shades that vary from greenish to sky blue, and this valuable gemstone has a hardness value of five to six. Turquoise is found in Chile, Afghanistan, Teran, Australia, Tibet, New Mexico, Arizona, and many other areas around the globe. Found only near copper deposits, it is actually a hydrous hydrate of copper. Two essential elements in addition to copper needed to form your turquoise necklace are phosphate radical and aluminum ions.

In addition to a turquoise necklace, you will find this valuable gemstone in many other forms of jewelry such as rings, earrings, belt buckles and carvings. There have been many small crystals of turquoise also found in such places as Virginia and other places around the globe. However, the specimens that they have found usually have only a cryptocrystalline meaning, which means they must be viewed through a microscope. You will find many imitations on the market today and even some low-quality specimens of turquoise can be enhanced through dying. Natural turquoise is very porous and over time, oils left behind even by touching it will give it a beautiful patina.

Various prospectors over the years have found small samples in various places in Arizona, but the most easily-accessed deposits have now been exhausted and are owned by large mining companies. If you have a birthday in the December, a turquoise necklace would be an appropriate gift as this is the official birthstone of December. Indians believed if they used it on their bows, their arrows would fly straighter, while others believe that happiness and good fortune can be brought by turquoise and can even strengthen the mind and bring about a feeling of serenity. If you own a piece of turquoise jewelry, may it bring you serenity for years to come!