A recent visit to New Mexico to a Turquoise Museum brought a whole new understanding of the gem to me. I was especially surprised to learn that turquoise is found all over the world and comes in many colors. I marveled at turquoise that was not only blue but all shades of blue and also green

This wonderful gemstone is used by Native Americans particularly in the southwest to make great jewelry. The jewelry is generally a turquoise gemstone held in place by silver metal ornaments. The history of turquoise indicates that it is the “fallen sky stone”. It is a stone that is over 7000 years old. It is a stone that captures the eye and its folklore indicates that it was formed deep in the earth as Indians danced and rejoiced in the coming of rain. Their tears of joy mixed with the rain and seeped into the earth forming turquoise a ‘skystone’.

Turquoise is mined and then cleaned and taken through a multi-step process to categorize it into grades of gem stones. The stones are them smoothed and polished. The turquoise is then used in necklace, bracelet, ring, earring, belt and other forms of jewelry settings, and also clothing accessories.

Every Native American deserves to have at least one piece of turquoise in their collection of Native American jewelry. Buy one and you will get wonderful compliments and you will now be able to tell the folklore of turquoise.

Article by CherokeeCloud