The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Turquoise
The Power of Stones: Crystals and Gemstones

ORIGINS

Turquoise is an opaque mineral that is found in various shades of blue and green, due to the copper in its composition. The word turquoise comes from the Old French turqueise, meaning “Turkish.” The stone is found in the United States, Mexico, France, Egypt, the Middle East, Russia, Peru, China, and Tibet.

HISTORY/LORE

This stone gets its name from the incorrect belief that it came from Turkey. Though turquoise was traded in Turkey, it was imported from other places, mainly Iran and the Sinai Peninsula. The ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, and Aztecs prized turquoise, and some Native American tribes consider turquoise a sacred stone that connects earth and heaven.

USES

Healing Uses: Turquoise calms the emotions and promotes feelings of peace and well-being. It can help to balance mood swings, reduce stress, and ease depression. Its purifying properties can aid detoxification and protect against environmental pollution. Turquoise aligns with the throat and heart chakras; therefore, wearing it as a necklace can enhance communication, soothe throat complaints, and lessen emotional suffering.

Magical Uses: A popular stone for healing spells, turquoise can be worn or carried to encourage emotional and physical well-being. As an amulet, it offers protection against physical, psychic, and environmental harm. As a talisman, it brings good fortune and abundance.

Feng Shui Uses: Place a piece of turquoise in the Wealth/Prosperity sector of your home or business to attract fortune. Put it in the Marriage/Relationships sector to encourage harmony and happiness in a romantic partnership. In the Health/Well-Being sector, it draws healing energy and restores energetic balance.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Meditate with turquoise to improve your connection with the spiritual realm. As it strengthens the emotions, turquoise helps you gain confidence and release self-limiting behaviors. It can also reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, enabling you to realize a deeper link with “all that is.”