Turquoise – Meaning & Properties

Impression of the raw stone

“The clearest thoughts emerge in stillness.”

Turquoise is for those who choose their own path. For those who connect creativity with inner peace.

With its unmistakable blue-green hue, turquoise is one of humanity's oldest ornamental stones. This stone is traditionally associated with inner peace, protection, and creative thought.

No two stones are exactly alike. The natural veining makes each bead a small landscape in itself.

Why people choose Turquoise

• Traditionally associated with inner peace and protection
• A stone that symbolises creativity and free thinking
• Unique blue-green colour with natural matrix veining
• One of the oldest ornamental stones in the world
• Instantly lends a distinctive character to any bracelet

The Stone

• Traditional Associations: Inner Peace • Protection • Creativity
• Origin: Iran • Israel • Egypt
• Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

History

Turquoise has been worn for approximately 6,000 years: the ancient Egyptians mined the stone in the Sinai and incorporated it into jewellery and Tutankhamun's death mask.

The name comes via French ("pierre turquoise", Turkish stone) — the stone reached Europe via trade routes through Turkey. From Persian palaces to the jewellery of indigenous peoples in North America: turquoise was widely considered a symbol of protection and good fortune.

Astrology & Moon

Within astrology, turquoise has traditionally been linked to the zodiac sign Sagittarius — the sign of freedom and adventure.

In traditions surrounding the lunar calendar, turquoise is associated with the waxing moon: the phase of growth and new beginnings.

Within Chakra Lore

Within chakra lore, Turquoise is traditionally linked to the Throat Chakra, also known as Vishuddha. This energy centre, located in the throat area, is considered within this teaching to symbolise communication, self-expression, and the ability to articulate one's inner truth with clarity and integrity.

Due to its specific blue-green colour variations, the stone is also associated with the Heart Chakra (Anahata) in various traditions. Within this lore, Turquoise functions as a symbolic bridge between the emotions of the heart and the voice, representing a harmonious balance between feeling and speech.

Interesting Facts

• Turquoise is one of the few gemstones in the world that has lent its name to a colour, rather than the colour being named after the stone.
• The characteristic dark veins in the stone are called the 'matrix'; these are remnants of the host rock, such as copper ore or iron, in which the turquoise was formed millions of years ago.
• In the folklore of the Navajo people, it was said that turquoise were 'pieces of sky' that had fallen to earth, explaining the stone's central role in their ceremonial jewellery.
• The colour of Turquoise can subtly change over a long period due to exposure to sunlight or skin oils, which lends the stone a unique and lived-in character.

Care

With a Mohs hardness of approximately 5 to 6, turquoise is moderately hard and naturally porous. Consequently, the stone is more susceptible to scratches and knocks than harder stones — wear your bracelet gently and store it separately, away from keys and other jewellery.

Due to its porous structure, turquoise is very sensitive to grease, perfume, soap, lotion, and cosmetics: these can penetrate the stone and cause its blue-green colour to discolour or fade. Therefore, put your bracelet on last, after applying perfume and cream, and take it off before showering, swimming, or washing up.

For care, wipe the beads with a soft, dry cloth and avoid water and chemical cleaners. This will help the characteristic blue-green colour with matrix veining retain its depth for the longest time.

View the turquoise bracelet in the shop →

Pairs beautifully with

Howlite · Rose Quartz

A note on meaning: the properties on this page describe what this stone has traditionally symbolised and with what it is associated within traditions and astrology. Mad Monk Jewellery makes no claims: we do not promise that a stone has a specific effect or power, or that it will bring about any particular outcome for you. What we do promise: a natural gemstone, carefully selected and hand-finished.

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