Turquoise is a copper and aluminum-rich phosphate mineral that forms over thousands of years as water rushes through rocks. The chemical reaction that takes place during this process causes veins to form that over time bunch together to create turquoise. 

Considering the process by which turquoise forms, it is understandable that it has a hydrous quality to it. This means that when turquoise comes into contact with water, oil or other chemicals, it can easily absorb the liquid. 

Turquoise ranks between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Whilst this is a fair ranking some care does need to be taken to protect the stone from chipping and scratching.

Turquoise is primarily used in jewelry and art items. Being December’s birthstone it makes a fantastic gift idea for a sagittarius or capricorn. At Breckenridge Jewelers we can help you find the perfect gift for your loved one. Visit our store in Breckenridge, Colorado where you will be spoilt for choice.

Turquoise has been beloved by many nations, such as Africa, Asia, South America and North America since ancient times, and continues to enjoy world-wide popularity to this day. The word ‘turquoise’ is named after the French word meaning ‘Turkish’, most likely because it were the Turks who introduced Europe to turquoise during medieval times. Throughout the ages people have believed in the magnetic properties of turquoise to bring healing, luck, peace and protection.

Unlike many precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies and others, turquoise is not transparent and this opaque gemstone presents in a variety of solid blue and green tones. When thinking of turquoise our minds naturally jump to the striking color of this beauty and for this reason the English language has claimed the name of this stone to describe any color in shades of blue, blueish-green, green and yellowish-green.