Jewel HowDecember is a month that many people see as the end of the year. It is also a time when people typically spend time with family and friends, and celebrate accomplishments. December signifies endings and beginnings, and often marks the end of a year and the beginning of a new one.
What Is the Birthstone for December?
Turquoise is the birthstone for December. Turquoise is a blue-green color that is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. The word “turquoise” comes from the French word “turquois,” which means “Turkish.” This is because the first turquoise deposits were found in Turkey. Turquoise is a fairly rare mineral and is usually found in association with other minerals, such as copper.
Turquoise is a versatile and popular gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewelry, art, and other decorative items. Turquoise is believed to promote healing and bring good luck. It is also said to be a powerful protective stone. Here are some of the ways that turquoise can be used:
Origin of Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in the world, with a history dating back over 6,000 years. The exact origin of turquoise is unknown, but it is believed to have first been mined in Iran or Turkey. Turquoise was prized by many ancient cultures for its blue-green color and its protective properties.
It is thought that the Egyptians were the first to use turquoise in jewelry and other objects. Turquoise was also popular with the Native Americans, who used it to make jewelry and other decorative items. Today, turquoise is still popular with jewelry designers and other crafters.
Colors of Turquoise
Turquoise is a natural gemstone with a unique blue-green color. The color of turquoise is caused by the presence of copper minerals in the stone. The copper molecules cause interference with the light waves that pass through the stone, causing some light waves to be reflected more than others.
This interference creates a blue-green color. The color of turquoise can also be affected by the other minerals that are present in the stone, as well as by the lighting conditions where it is being viewed.
History of Turquoise
Turquoise has been found in graves and tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and in ancient Persian ruins. The first Europeans to encounter turquoise were the Spanish conquistadors who raided the Aztec and Inca empires in the 16th century. They brought back stories of a blue stone that was highly prized by the natives.
Turquoise was first mined in Persia (present-day Iran) about 5,000 years ago. The finest quality turquoise comes from the Sinai Peninsula, where it has been mined for over 3,000 years. Other important deposits are located in China, Afghanistan, Chile, and the United States.
Mythology of Turquoise
In many cultures, turquoise is considered to be a sacred stone, and it is often associated with luck, protection, and good fortune. The mythology of turquoise varies from culture to culture, but there are some common themes that appear in many different traditions.
In many Native American cultures, turquoise is considered to be the stone of the sky gods. It is said to have been created when the gods threw their blue and green rainbows into the sky. Turquoise is also believed to have healing powers and can be used to protect against negative energy.
In Iranian mythology, turquoise is seen as a symbol of love and happiness. It is often given as a gift to celebrate birthdays or other special occasions.
Turquoise vs Howlite
Turquoise and howlite are two very different stones. Howlite is more lightweight and has a more subdued color than turquoise. Both stones have their own unique properties that make them desirable for jewelry and other items.
Properties
Turquoise is a mineral that is typically found in arid climates. It is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Turquoise can be found in shades of blue, green, or yellow. Howlite is a mineral that is typically found in Canada and the United States. It is composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. Howlite can be found in shades of white, gray, or yellow.
Both turquoise and howlite are opaque minerals that have a Mohs hardness of 5-6. They both have a conchoidal fracture and a specific gravity of 2.6-2.9. Turquoise has been used for jewelry and other decorative items for centuries, while howlite has only recently been discovered as a gemstone.
Appearance
Turquoise and howlite are two different stones that are often mistaken for one another. Howlite is a white stone that is often mistaken for turquoise, while turquoise is a blue-green stone that is often mistaken for howlite. There are several key differences between these two stones that can help you to tell them apart.
The first difference is the color of the two minerals. Turquoise is blue-green, while howlite is white. The second difference is the transparency of the two minerals. Turquoise is translucent, while howlite is opaque. The third difference is the luster of the two minerals. Turquoise has a vitreous luster, while howlite has a dull luster.
Value
When it comes to turquoise and howlite, there are some key differences in value. For one, turquoise is more rare and typically commands a higher price. Howlite, on the other hand, is much more common and typically costs less.
This is because turquoise is a natural stone that has been around for centuries, while howlite is a man-made stone that was only created about 100 years ago. In terms of appearance, turquoise also tends to be darker and more blue in color, while howlite is typically light in color with a white or cream hue.
