Turquoise

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Turquoise Legends

Turquoise jewelry can trace it origins back to many ancient civilizations. In Ancient Egypt the goddess Hathor was the protector of the desert and Sinai turquoise mines. The Aztecs believed in Xiuhcoatl the turquoise serpent. According to the Navajo Indians Estsanatlehi was the turquoise sky goddess. Turquoise is said to make it wearer aware of danger, poison sickness or infidelity. Turquoise is Decemeber Birthstone and the traditional Eleventh anniversary gift.

Turquoise History

Turquoise is mentioned in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice as gift of Leah to shylock, as a token of affection and adoration. The oldest known piece of turquoise is over 5000 years old, and comes from the tomb of queen Zer. According to the Bible the high priest Aaron had a breastplate that contained 12 turquoise stones.

Turquoise Information

Turquoise is mined from Afghanistan, Africa, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Europe, Iran, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Tanzania, Turkey, and the United States. Turquoise has a 5 to 6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

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