SIZE: 8x12mm
STONE: Stabilized Turquoise, Blue (Color Enhanced)
SHAPE: Rectangle
PACKAGE: 8 Beads

  TURQUOISE: is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized for thousands of years because of its unique color. Historically, this gemstone has been known by many names, but the term "Turquoise" is thought to be a derivative of either the 16th century French word "turquois", meaning "Turkish" or "pierre turquin" meaning "dark blue stone". Turquoise is a relatively soft stone with colors ranging from white to powder blue and sky blue as well as various shades of green. Its color depends on its mineral properties --- blue being attributed to the copper content while green is the result of either iron or dehydration.

Natural Turquoise in its raw state is very soft and porous. "Stabilized" is the term used to describe a Turquoise in it’s natural form which has been permeated with a protective resin to harden and protect the stone from pollutants (including oils from the skin) which in time can change the original color or even damage the stone. Almost all the Turquoise sold for use as jewelry has been treated in this fashion in order to make it more wearer-friendly. "Color Enhanced" refers to a stone which has been dyed or treated with a hardner whereby some form of colorent has been added.

Turquoise is thought to attract prosperity and success, influence creativity, and enhance communication skills. The stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. It is said that Turquoise can help balance the throat chakra, bolster the immune system and give relief to sore throats, lung infections and allergies.