Turquoise cabochons for sale are a link between today's gem enthusiasts and the civilizations of the past. This blue-green gem is a carrier of thousands of years of myths and legends. People from different cultures believed that the stone had protective qualities and that it was also a mystic source of power.
The Sacred Stone of Ancient Civilizations
The turquoise stone myths are spread all over the world and are very old. Native Americans named it the "sky stone." They felt that it was what connected earth and heaven. To obtain their targets' accuracy, warriors fastened turquoise to their bows. Besides, medicine men also used it in the process of healing.
However, Persian tales are completely different. To protect themselves from death, kings used to wear turquoise. The stone was apparently changing its color to warn the person of the danger. So merchants that were traveling along the Silk Road carried turquoise amulets for a safe journey.
Turquoise in Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs and Protection
Turquoise in ancient Egypt was a thing of topmost value. To make their death glorious, Pharaohs decorated their masks with this valuable gem. Besides, Queen Nefertiti wore turquoise jewelry every day. Workers in the Sinai Peninsula have been mining turquoise for over 5,000 years.
Egyptians named turquoise "mefkat," which meant joy and delight. They would crush it to make a powder for eye makeup. Priests believed that it was the source of pleasure for the goddess Hathor. The temple walls had the turquoise inlaid sections representing the holy scenes.
The well-known death mask of King Tutankhamun is decorated with beautiful turquoise designs. The artists used it together with gold and lapis lazuli. Apart from that, the burial treasures here demonstrated the high esteem of the stone in Egyptian society which helped to propel its fame.
Turquoise Meaning in Spirituality Through Ages
Turquoise meaning spiritually is quite different depending on which spiritual tradition you ask. Tibetan monks see it as a piece of the sky. They incorporate it in prayer beads and other religious instruments. The stone comes to symbolize intelligence and peace in Buddhism.
Long ago, the Persian people were very attentive to turquoise. They saw that the stone's color depended on both weather and the person's body condition. This resulted in the idea of the stone being the one that warned about protection. Besides, Persian turquoise was the one that Chinese traders wanted most.
Chinese artists used to work on turquoise figurines very carefully, making them look very detailed and exquisite. They thought the stone brought prosperity and good luck. Turkish culture gave the turquoise-gift at weddings as a sign of never-ending love.
Modern Appreciation: Turquoise Cabochons for Sale Today
Presently turquoise cabochons for sale are a means with which designers serve the entire world jewelry market. The polishing and rounding of these gems make them not only attractive but also demonstrate the inherent beauty in the turquoise that is there all along. Jewelry designers use these high-quality cabochons in the making of rings, necklaces, and earrings.
With the cabochon cutting, the color as well as the patterns of the matrix of the turquoise are brought to the fore. While some may be showcasing a fine spider-web-like pattern, others may be of simple uniform robin's-egg blue color.They are all different in terms of their geological origins, yet each of them has a story to tell.
Turquoise cabochons for sale originate from multiple regions around the world. Consequently, Arizona and Nevada are the producers of typical American varieties, while Persian turquoise is still very much in demand with its deep blue color. On the other hand, there are beginners in the market who buy Chinese turquoise as it is quite affordable.
Collecting Gemstones for Sale: What to Know
It is necessary to pay attention to the different factors while selecting the turquoise cabochons for sale. One of the most informative is the natural turquoise which shows typical color variations. Stabilized stones are those which have been treated for longer-lastingness. Enhanced turquoise is a type of the stone to which the color is added with the dye or the resin.
Good quality gemstones for sale & valuables should be accompanied by origin information. Dealers who are trustworthy will give you the information about the treatments. Not only that they will tell you the difference between natural and enhanced stones but also they will offer much more information.
The ones with the matrix patterns are the turquoise that are the most different from each other. The presence of brown or black veining makes the turquoise pattern distinctive. Solid blue stones can reach higher prices. It is your personal preference which is the most important.
Caring for Your Turquoise Collection
Turquoise is a jewel which should be handled with only great care. It is less than 10 and more than 1 and is measured on the scale from 1 to 10 and it is 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Do not allow it to come in contact with chemicals and extreme temperatures. Use soft, damp cloth to clean it.
Also, turquoise should be stored separately from the hard gems. The diamonds and sapphires surfaces can become scratched due to the contact with them. Stay away from ultrasonic cleaners thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
The mythology around the turquoise stones enriches the appreciation even more.
One of the oldest civilizations could not resist the charm of turquoise stone and made it their great treasure. What has made it a lasting and now again trendy gemstone is not only its amazing color, but also its cultural significance.
Whatever is the reason for your collecting, be it the beauty or the meaning, turquoise has both characteristics. Which means that with quality turquoise cabochons for sale you can actually own a piece of history.
Are you interested in other lovely stones? Rhodochrosite for sale is the place to find the pink gemstones that will amaze you.
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