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Turquoise

Photo: W.carter / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Turquoise

Sky-blue copper phosphate and December birthstone, treasured by ancient Egypt, Persia and Native American cultures.

  • ColourSky blue, Green-blue, Green
  • Mineral groupPhosphate
  • ChemistryCuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
  • Hardness (Mohs)5–6
  • Crystal systemTriclinic
  • Where it's foundIran, USA (Arizona, Nevada), China, Egypt (Sinai), Mexico
  • ChakraThroat
  • ZodiacSagittarius, Pisces, Scorpio
  • BirthstoneDecember

What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a copper aluminium phosphate. Copper gives the sky-blue colour, and iron shifts it toward green. It is one of the oldest gems known: turquoise was mined in the Sinai Peninsula by ancient Egyptians and in Nishapur, Persia (Iran) for thousands of years, and is deeply important to Native American cultures of the US Southwest.

The name comes from the French pierre turquoise, "Turkish stone", because it reached Europe through Turkish trade routes. Much turquoise today is stabilised, and dyed howlite or magnesite is often sold as imitation. Turquoise is a birthstone for December.

Turquoise astrology & birthstone

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Turquoise meaning & traditional properties

Turquoise is associated with protection, wisdom and clear communication, and was traditionally carried as a protective travel amulet.

  • Protection
  • Communication
  • Wisdom

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Turquoise

  • Wear turquoise as your December birthstone.
  • Carry it when travelling, following tradition.

How to care for Turquoise

Turquoise is porous. Avoid water, oils, perfume, cosmetics, heat and strong sunlight. Wipe with a dry soft cloth; never use ultrasonic cleaners.

Looking for Turquoise?

Turquoise isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

  • Chrysocolla
    In our shop

    Chrysocolla

    Blue-green copper mineral that forms near copper deposits – a gentle stone of communication.

  • Amazonite
    In our shop

    Amazonite

    Sea-green feldspar long linked with calm, clear communication and courage.

  • Howlite
    In our shop

    Howlite

    Soft white stone with grey veins, named after a Canadian chemist – a crystal lore favourite for calm and sl...

Rituals & pairings

Pair Turquoise with a protection & cleansing ritual

A traditional cleansing ritual for resetting your space and feeling protected.

Traditionally paired with: White sage or palo santo smudge sticks · Dragon's blood, frankincense or myrrh incense · A white or black candle

  • Open a window, then light a white sage or palo santo stick and let it smoulder.
  • Gently waft the smoke around your crystal and through the room, corners first.
  • Light a white candle and place your crystal beside it while you set a simple intention, such as "This space is calm and protected".
  • Finish with frankincense or dragon's blood incense and let it burn down safely.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Turquoise jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Turquoise FAQs

What month is turquoise?

December.

Is my turquoise real?

Much turquoise is stabilised, and dyed howlite or magnesite is a common imitation – buy from trusted sellers.

Related crystals

  • Zircon

    Zircon

    One of the oldest minerals on Earth – a fiery December birthstone, not to be confused with cubic zirconia.

  • Tanzanite

    Tanzanite

    Violet-blue gem found in only one small area near Mount Kilimanjaro – a December birthstone discovered in 1...

  • Chrysocolla
    In our shop

    Chrysocolla

    Blue-green copper mineral that forms near copper deposits – a gentle stone of communication.

  • Amazonite
    In our shop

    Amazonite

    Sea-green feldspar long linked with calm, clear communication and courage.

Sources