The name turquoise means "Turkish stone," because the trade route that brought the gem to Europe came through Turkey. The first known deposits were found in ancient Turkey, then later in Egypt. Turquoise, with its robin's egg blue hue, has graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned early native Americans in their ceremonial dress.
Cleopatra probably used ground-up turquoise for eye paint, as well as wearing turquoise in her jewelry. Tutankhamen's tomb was filled with examples of turquoise inlay, beads, sculpture, and slabs used in everything from jewelry and furniture to the great sarcophagus and death masks.
From its beginnings, turquoise was not exclusively a gem for the rich. Cavalry soldiers in most ancient armies carried pieces of turquoise or wore turquoise rings to keep them from falling off their horses. Children in several cultures were given turquoise charms to protect them from harm, prevent nightmares, and to grant them restful sleep.
During the 16th century, turquoise was used as currency by the southwest Indians. They believed the gem could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter and happiness to all. Four centuries later turquoise became December's best-known birthstone.
Lighter pieces are sometimes impregnated with a colorless wax or plastic to seal the pores and deepen color. As with any gemstone, ask the jeweler if the stone has been treated in any way that might affect its care or cleaning.
Turquoise is as beautiful, popular and affordable as it was 5,000 years ago. With new sources being found in China and Australia, as well as the established mines in the U.S., Mexico and Chile, turquoise will continue to be a gem that is as easy on the budget as it is on the eye.
In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association officially added tanzanite to the traditional list of birthstones for the month of December.