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.

China has been a source of Turquoise for over 3,000 years. Compact nodules of this mineral are found among the fractured and solidified limestone beds of Yunxian and Zhushan, in the Hubei province of mainland China. Additional sources were once reported by Marco Polo to be found in present-day Sichuan. Much of the Turquoise from China is wax impregnated. The paraffin treatment deepens and stabilizes the color but only affects the surface.

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.