Turquoise - December's traditional birthstone

For those who were born in the month of December the Turquoise is the traditional birthstone.

Turquoise, a copper aluminium phosphate is found, crystallized in veins and nodules in weathered igneous rock, that contain copper minerals. "The colour of the sky" blue associated with the turquoise was a favoured gem in Victorian jewellery. Social, religious and biblical symbolism was reflected in the turquoise which is found in various shades of blue-green through to green and yellowish gray, depending on the iron content. It is considered by some to bring good fortune and success, a symbol of prosperity to its wearer.

A relatively soft gemstone, turquoise can be easily scratched and broken. The porous opacity is easily discoloured by oils and the stone changes colour when it dehydrates. Some varieties are impregnated with substances to stabilise the stone and give it good polish. 

The name is said to originate from "pierre turquoise", French for "Turkish stone" around the time when turquoise was brought to Europe by Venetian merchants who had sourced it at Turkish bazaars. It is considered by some as a love charm and popular in Russian wedding rings. 

Turquoise has a rich history and has been used as a cure, as amulets, charms, in adornments and decorating for thousands of years.