Turquoise is an opaque, bluish-green mineral that derives its name from “Turkish,” which is the country that first brought the mineral to Europe from Iran. Turquoise was mined over 4,000 years ago in the Sinai Peninsula by the Egyptians and has been mined for at least 2,000 years in Iran. The Southwest United States is also a major source of turquoise and its use is very popular in Native Indian jewelry. As one of the earliest stones mined, turquoise was used an an amulet for protection and symbolized wealth in ancient cultures. As an amulet, it was believed to protect from harm and negative energy. It is a symbol of friendship.
