The history of turquoise started tens of millions of years ago, when water percolating through rocks rich in copper and aluminum dissolved salts and conveyed them to cavities in the rock where the salts were precipitated out from solution as the water evaporated. Under intense pressure and temperature generated by natural geological processes, these salts hardened to form turquoise in the form that we know today. Records suggest that it was first mined by the Egyptians nearly six thousand years ago. The Egytians however restricted ownership of turquoise to people of high standing in their society. Centuries later, turquoise of much better quality was found in Persia, present day Iran. Turkey played a key role in spreading turquoise around the world. Specifically, because of its location as a bridge between Asia and Europe, this country became a key trading center for turquoise, and helped spread turquoise to Mediterranean civilizations. Turquoise pendants have become synonymous with the American Southwest. However, it is important to note that in historical context, the Southwest is a relatively new comer in the field of turquoise jewelry. Records suggest that Native Americans first found turquoise near Santa Fe in New Mexico. The turquoise jewelry designed and created by skilled artists in the Southwest helped popularize turquoise all over the world. Today, turquoise is the most expensive and most popular opaque gemstone in the world of fashion jewelry.
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