HISTORY AND LORE OF TURQUOISE

      Though not known specifically as a modern birthstone it is associated with the month of December as a traditional birthstone.  It is the anniversary gemstone for the 5th year of marriage. 

     The name Turquoise means "Turkish Stone" because of the route that it traveled to get to Europe, which was via Turkey. Its etymology would also show its relation to Turkey.  Turquoise comes from: Middle English turkeis, turcas, from Middle French turquoyse, from feminine of turquoys Turkish, from Old French, from Turc Turk.  

     Turquoise is a mineral that is a blue, bluish green, or greenish gray hydrous basic phosphate of copper and aluminum, takes a high polish, and is valued as a gem when sky blue.

     Turquoise has been thought to warn the wearer of danger or illness by changing color. In the 13th century, Turquoise was thought to protect the wearer from falling especially from horses. 

     Legend has it that the Indians believed that if turquoise was affixed to a bow, the arrows shot from it would always hit their mark. It was also believed to bring happiness and good fortune to all. Turquoise started being used before 4000 BC. It supposedly helps one to start new projects.