At Designers Choice, we are a team of passionate creators with many years of hands-on experience in design. We created Designers Choice to be the helpful guide we always wished we had. We know the daily challenges of turning big, creative ideas into real things. From finding the perfect materials to staying ahead of new trends, it takes a lot of hard work.
That is why we gather top-quality products, smart fixes, and trusted tips for everyone.
We do this for fellow creators who want the very best. Our mission is to help you bring your biggest, boldest ideas to life. We stand with a group of people who love creativity and excellent craft just as much as you do.
Today, we want to talk about the beautiful turquoise color. The bright turquoise color is famous all over the globe.
It is a stunning natural stone and an amazing shade of blue. People have loved to wear bright turquoise jewelry for thousands of years.
It looks great in homes, too! You can easily make any room look fresh with a smart turquoise color combination.
Get ready to read all about these fun, vibrant colors. We will teach you the history, the science, and how to use this amazing shade in your life!
What is Turquoise? History and Global Origins
The Geological Formation of Turquoise
How does a turquoise gemstone form deep inside the earth? It takes millions of years!
In science, experts call this gem a hydrous phosphate of copper. This big name simply means the stone has copper, water, and aluminum inside it.
Its scientific chemical formula is quite long, but you just need to know that the copper gives it that famous blue color.
The stone grows inside another large rock. Scientists call this other rock the host rock. Over many years, water drips down into the host rock.
The water leaves minerals behind. Soon, these minerals fill up the empty cracks and form a hard, solid mass.
This solid mass eventually becomes the beautiful turquoise stones we love today. Because it is a natural stone, no two rocks ever look the same.
Ancient Egypt and Persian Origins
People have loved beautiful, fine turquoise for a very long time. In fact, the oldest evidence of humans digging for it comes from ancient Egypt.
Thousands of years ago, the rich kings and queens of ancient Egypt wore these gems. Workers found the stones in the hot, dry sands of the sinai peninsula. Leaders put these blue stones in their special grave furnishings. They wanted to take the pretty rocks into the next life.
Later, people found an amazing, intense blue color of stone in the middle east. They dug it up in the historical Khorasan province of Iran.
Traders sold this beautiful blue turquoise in many places. People started calling it the “Turkish stone” because traders carried it through Turkey.
This is actually where the word turquoise comes from! The famous Turkish stone from the middle east is still very popular today.
Native American Turquoise Traditions
Across the vast ocean in North America, Native American tribes found their own beautiful gems.
In the wide American Southwest, tribes used the stones to make special native American jewelry.
They dug for stones in places like beautiful New Mexico. To the native American tribes, it was much more than a pretty rock. It was a holy stone.
They believed this holy stone connected the deep earth to the high sky above. People all over North America traded these stones.
Major Modern Mining Locations
Today, miners still dig deep for these shiny gems.
A large part of the world’s supply comes from the united states. The dry American southwest is famous for its mines.
One of the best places is a big mine called sleeping beauty. The sleeping beauty turquoise is very famous because it is a pure sky blue without any dark spots. The famous Sleeping Beauty Mine in the United States gave us some of the most perfect stones on earth.
The Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism of Turquoise
Healing Properties and Metaphysical Benefits
Many people think the turquoise gemstone has special magic powers.
Some say holding it gives you clarity of thought. With good clarity of thought, you can solve hard problems easily.
Many old stories call the gem a bringer of good fortune. People wore it around their necks to attract good fortune every day.
Long ago, kings even thought the stone would warn them of danger. They thought a crack in the rock signaled the approach of doom! Because of its bright sky blue look, many cultures called it a symbol of heaven. They thought the symbol of heaven would protect them on long trips.
The December Birthstone Significance
Did you know that certain stones belong to different months?
If you are born in the cold month of December, your birthstone is turquoise. People love giving shiny turquoise stones as birthday gifts during this month. Handing someone this gem is a wonderful way to wish them great joy. The bright turquoise blue shines like clear ice, which fits the cold winter month perfectly. When you wear these turquoise stones, stories say they will keep you safe.
Cultural Symbolism Around the World
When early sailors traveled to new worlds, they often brought these gems back home.
In these new worlds, people saw the vibrant colors and felt pure joy. Everyone loved the unique Color. From the hot deserts of the Sinai peninsula to the deep rocky canyons of new Mexico, everyone wanted the stone. The daily use of turquoise connected many different people.
It did not matter where you lived. The deep, intense blue color always meant good luck and peace.
How to Identify Genuine Turquoise Gemstones?
Natural Vs. Stabilized Turquoise: What’s the Difference?
It is sometimes hard to know if a gem is real or fake.
The experts at the gemological institute of America teach us how to check. They teach us that a pure natural stone is actually quite soft.
Sometimes, it is too soft to make into shapes.
So, workers add clear plastic or glue to make the rock hard. They call this “stabilized” turquoise. Stabilizing helps the piece last a lifetime.
The finer grades of the rock are already hard enough to cut without any glue. These finer grades cost a lot of money.
The true value of turquoise goes up if it is totally natural and very hard.
Spotting Fake Turquoise (Dyed Howlite and Magnesite)
Because the whole world loves the beautiful turquoise color, some bad sellers make fake ones.
They take cheap white rocks, like howlite. Then, they paint them a bright blue color. To spot a fake, you must look very closely.
A fake rock might have blue paint rubbing off on the rough edges. The real use of turquoise in rings shows that true stones feel cold and smooth.
Real stones have a strong, intense blue color that never washes away. If the price is too cheap, it is probably fake.
The Importance of Matrix Patterns
Do you remember the host rock we talked about earlier?
Sometimes, tiny bits of the host rock stay stuck inside the gem. This creates dark lines and spots called the “matrix“. The matrix looks like a brown or black spider web. A completely pure solid mass of sleeping beauty turquoise has zero matrix. But many rocks from the united states have pretty brown lines. This matrix helps prove the gem is real. Fake stones often have perfectly painted lines that look fake.
Popular Types of Turquoise Jewelry
Classic Silver and Turquoise Rings
One of the best ways to wear this stone is in a pretty ring.
Most jewelry makers mix it with bright sterling silver.
The cool metal matches the bright turquoise blue perfectly. A thick sterling silver ring with a large blue rock looks amazing on any hand.
Many pieces of beautiful native American jewelry are rings made exactly this way. The shiny metal shows off the best shades of turquoise.
Everyone loves a good piece of turquoise jewelry!
Statement Necklaces and Pendants
If you want everyone to look at you, wear a large necklace. Big necklaces show off the true beauty of fine turquoise.
A necklace pendant can hold a giant, solid mass of stone. When you wear a big blue rock, it really grabs attention.
The deep, intense blue color looks wonderful against your clothes.
People love to buy necklaces because they show the high value of turquoise beautifully. Wearing big turquoise jewelry is always fun.
Everyday Turquoise Bracelets and Earrings
You do not have to wear huge, heavy pieces every single day. Small earrings or tiny bracelets are very fun, too.
Some nice bracelets use a special method called turquoise inlay. Real turquoise inlay is when a worker cuts very tiny pieces of the rock.
They glue these tiny pieces into lines of silver.
It makes a smooth, flat surface. Wearing turquoise inlay bracelets adds a nice, small amount of color to your daily outfit.
It brings just the right pop of light blue and soft sea green to your life.
Essential Care Tips For Your Turquoise Jewelry
How to Safely Clean Turquoise
You must take very good care of your beautiful turquoise jewelry.
Because it is a real natural stone, it can get hurt easily.
Do not ever use strong soaps or cleaners. Only use plain, warm water and a very soft cloth. Wipe your favorite turquoise stones very gently.
Do not put them in a machine that shakes or uses heat. The gemological institute of America warns that hot water can crack the gem easily.
Why Turquoise Changes Color (And How to Prevent It)
Have you ever seen a bright sky blue ring turn dark green? This sad thing happens because of a real chemical reaction.
The hydrous phosphate of copper reacts to things like your skin sweat, hand lotion, or perfume. This quick chemical reaction changes the chemical formula slightly on the outside of the rock. The pretty robin’s egg blue might turn into a very dull dark turquoise or ugly sea green.
To stop this from happening, always put your rings on after you put on lotion. Keep your blue turquoise away from harsh soap.
Proper Storage and Maintenance
When you are done wearing your sterling silver and bright blue turquoise rings, put them away safely. Keep them in a soft cloth bag.
Do not let them rub against hard diamonds or sharp metals. Those hard things can easily scratch the soft turquoise gemstone.
Keep the bags out of the hot sun, too. Proper care keeps the high vibrancy of turquoise shining perfectly for many years.
The Color Turquoise in Design and Psychology
What the Turquoise Color Represents?
Let’s talk about the bright turquoise color itself.
What does it mean to our brains? In the study of color psychology, this color means calm, peace, and balance.
It makes tired people feel very relaxed. The nice color sits right between green and blue on the standard color wheel.
You can find so many different shades of turquoise. Some look just like a pale light blue. Some look like a deep sea green.
The most famous and loved shade is the bright robin’s egg blue.
A real robin’s egg is a very clear, sweet sky blue. The fresh blue color reminds us of the deep ocean and the wide sky. Because of this, color psychology experts say it gives us great clarity of thought and true peace.
Using Turquoise in Interior Decor
You can use the beautiful turquoise color to make your home look amazing. It is an amazing choice for building nice color palettes.
Great color palettes make a dark room feel happy. If you want to change your old living room, think about this bright color. You really do not need a lot. Just a very small amount can make a huge change.
Maybe you paint one single wall a bright turquoise blue. Or maybe you just buy some soft pillows with a nice turquoise color combination. Adding just a little turquoise makes the entire living room feel clean and fresh.
For the best home color choices, try to mix it with plain white or soft sand colors. This makes the room feel exactly like a warm sunny beach. If you want a very rich style, try mixing dark turquoise with bright gold. It is always so fun to play with vibrant colors in your own house!
Turquoise in Fashion and Style
You can also wear the fun turquoise color to look great every day. It is a very special and unique color. It looks really good on almost everyone.
You can buy nice clothes in many shades. Some fun shirts are a pale light blue. Some long dresses are a deep sea green.
If you wear pretty blue shades, you will easily stand out in a big crowd.
Clothing designers really love the bright vibrancy of turquoise. They look closely at the color wheel to find the very best color matches.
If designers use computers to draw clothes, they have to use exact mathematical numbers. They use RGB values for drawing on computer screens. The simple RGB values for a standard version are Red 64, Green 224, and Blue 208. If they print fashion magazines, they use special CYK values. The CMYK values help the big printers mix the ink perfectly. Mixing the correct CMYK values creates the exact, perfect shades of turquoise on the paper. Whether on a bright screen or a soft dress, this unique color is always a huge hit!
FAQ’s:
How Can You Tell If Turquoise Is Real Or Fake?
Real turquoise is always a real natural stone. It feels cold and smooth to the touch. Fake rocks are often just cheap white rocks dyed a bright blue color. If you rub a fake painted rock with some strong rubbing alcohol, the blue dye might wipe off on your towel. Real turquoise stones have an amazing, intense blue color that never rubs away. Also, real stones often have a natural dark matrix from the original host rock.
Why Does Turquoise Change Color Over Time?
It slowly changes color because of a natural chemical reaction. The stone is scientifically made of hydrous phosphate of copper.
Its hidden chemical formula can easily react to your daily sweat, skin oils, and hand soaps. This bad mix turns the bright robin’s egg or sky blue into a dark green or dull dark turquoise color. To stop this color change, always keep your items very clean and perfectly dry.
Which Colors Pair Best With Turquoise Color For Home Decor Or Design?
The absolute best color choices depend on the daily mood you want to feel.
For a highly calm living room, pair a very small amount of turquoise with pure white, soft cream, or light grey. This perfect turquoise color combination feels just like the beach. For a super bold look, pair the bright vibrancy of turquoise with bright orange coral or warm yellow.
Can I Wear My Turquoise Jewelry in the Shower?
No! You should never, ever wear your fine turquoise jewelry in the hot water.
The body soap and hot water can quickly cause a bad chemical reaction. It can easily ruin the expensive fine turquoise forever. Always remember to take off your nice sterling silver and soft turquoise rings before washing your hands or taking a shower.
How Can I Create the Turquoise Color By Mixing Paints?
To properly make the neat turquoise color, you must mix a standard blue color with a little bit of green paint. If you want a pale light blue, just add some plain white paint. You can easily play with many various shades. Add more green paint to get a nice sea green.
Add more bright blue paint to get a deep blue turquoise.
What Makes Turquoise Gemstones Valuable in Jewelry?
The high value of turquoise always depends on its pure color and natural hardness. The true finer grades are naturally very hard and have a perfect, intense blue color. The famous Sleeping Beauty turquoise from the United States is very valuable because it is pure and completely clear. Rocks with a pretty, natural dark spiderweb matrix are also very valuable and wanted by many buyers.
What Does the “Matrix” in Turquoise Mean?
The dark matrix is the set of lines or dark spots you clearly see inside the turquoise gemstone. These dark lines are just tiny bits of the original host rock. When the large solid mass of the gem forms deep in the ground, some of the older mother rock gets fully trapped inside the new gem forever.
What is “Stabilized” Turquoise?
Most natural, wild turquoise is far too soft to cut into nice shapes for rings.
To fix this soft problem, workers carefully add a clear plastic or clear glue to the rock. This smart trick makes the stone very hard and super strong. This process is called stabilized turquoise. It is very common today and makes truly great native American jewelry that lasts a long time.
Conclusion
In the end, turquoise is much more than just a pretty shade.
From the hot, dry sands of ancient Egypt to the deep, dark mines of the American Southwest, it has a very rich and long history. Happy people all over North America and the wide middle east have loved it for many centuries.
Whether you love looking at the bright blue shades of the simple color wheel or you love wearing a beautiful, real turquoise gemstone, it always brings a smile. We hope you loved learning all about the amazing hydrous phosphate of copper!
Now you easily know how to use a great turquoise color combination right inside your living room. You know how to correctly check the RGB values and the CMYK values for your art projects.
You also fully know how to protect your favorite shiny sterling silver pieces from water. Always enjoy the super vibrant colors of this truly amazing gem. Let this famous bringer of good fortune add a wonderfully bright, happy spot to your daily life!
