The Legend of Turquoise

Ever since turquoise was discovered nearly six thousand years ago, its story has been one of legend and folklore. The Egyptians who discovered this stone were so mesmerized by it that they decreed that only royalty and high priests were allowed to won turquoise. They used it to decorate their palaces and temples. The famous funereal mask of King Tutankhamen has some intricate turquoise inlays. When the Native Americans first found this stone near Cerritos, New Mexico about a thousand years ago, they too developed a deep reverence and respect for it. They believed – and continue to believe – that since its color is similar to that of the sky, and the stone is found just beneath the earth’s surface, turquoise represents the coming together of heaven and earth. With this background, it is not surprising that they included turquoise in their religious rites and ceremonies. Native Americans were not the only civilizations that believed in the divine properties of this stone. Other ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Incas also held this stone in high esteem. Tribes on the North American continent believed that turquoise was a protective stone and a symbol of male power. So brave warriors were honored by being allowed to wear turquoise into battle. One of the more interesting tales about turquoise lies is that some believe that if the stone changes color, the wearer was probably unfaithful! Of course, there is little truth to that belief. The fact of the matter is that turquoise is a porous stone and can absorb moisture and oils from the skin when worn. The absorption of these materials causes the color of the stone to change slightly.