Turquoise has long been synonymous with Native American culture and Southwestern region. It has an entrancing quality with its various sizes, shapes, colors and textures.

In researching this gemstone, I found some interesting information. Turquoise was first mined over 6,000 years ago in the Sinai Desert. Turquoise stones were used in jewelry and furniture in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

It is a mineral that has no particular shape. What is a dichotomous, yet intriguing fact about turquoise is that it is a water rich mineral, yet forms only in dry regions of the world. It is said that the finest turquoise comes from Iran where it has been mined for 3,000 years. The world’s largest deposits are in the United States, particularly the Southwest.

For gem healing purposes, turquoise is used for protection, courage, creative expression and emotional balance.