Turqoise Information

Turquoise is very remarkable because it is the only gem that is not transparent. Turquoise is a rather soft gem rating only a 6 on the hardness scale. The first turquoise mine was not far from Nishapur, in Persia. The local mining of the gem is said to have supported the entire population. The mines were very ancient, writings of these mines have been found dating back to as far as 1300 A.D. It is a popular belief that one of the mines, known as Isaac’s mine, was opened by Isaac, son of Abraham. The predominating color of turquoise is green, while the most valuable color is blue. Turquoise is not free from imperfection, the turquoise turns green due to the exposure due to the course of time. Turquoise can be artificially stained, but the artificial staining can be easily detected. Worldwide the estimated value of turquoise varies greatly. There are a lot of superstitious theories about the uses and remedies of turquoise in medicine and well being. In earlier times turquoise was said to bring its wearer good fortune.