TURQUOISE: The name means: Turkish Stone
because the trade route that brought it to Europe was through Turkey. The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise.)
However, the United States southwest is now the world leader in production. The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 BC. At that time the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics.
During the 16th century turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all.
Colors in turquoise range from "robins egg" blue (most desirable) to blue-green and apple-green.
Today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic resins to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties of turquoise are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not be permanent.
Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water and household chemicals. Do not use in home ultrasonic machine. |
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BLUE TOPAZ
 Blue topaz has become one of the most popular gemstones
on the market today, due to its clarity, durability,
availability and affordable cost. Yet it is a shade of topaz
rarely found in nature. The stone's watery blue color is most
often created through a combination of heat treatment and
irradiation. It is faceted and comes a variety of shapes making it a versatile gemstone for all jewelry designs.
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Just about everyone knows what their birthstone is.  Why is that? Because people still enjoy the folklore associated with the tradition of the birthstone. They like believing that wearing a birthstone brings them good luck and protects them.
Early civilization as far back as the Assyrians (1400 BC) invested rare and beautiful gemstones with magical properties. Some minerals were thought to contain a force or possess certain values and powers. For instance, amethyst was thought to prevent intoxication. Tradition associates a gem with each sign of the zodiac based on a color system. Color was thought to unleash the power attributed to the stone. In time, birthstones became associated with calendar months rather than the zodiac.
Commonly Used Birthstone List Month Color Stone
March Pale Blue Aquamarine
April White (colorless) Diamond
May Bright Green Emerald
June Cream Pearl/Moonstone
July Red Ruby
August Yellow-Green Peridot
September Deep Blue Sapphire
October Variegated Opal/Tourmaline
November Yellow Topaz/Citrine
December Pale Blue Turquoise/Blue Topaz
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