Turquoise

The association between jewellery and cultural perceptions of disease is evident in the earliest civilizations: particular stones have long been associated with certain healing properties, and charms and amulets are believed to ward off evil spirits associated with illness and disease. Turquoise is an interesting stone to discuss in this context. On Charms of Light a UK based site for healing with energy, light, love and beauty, Turquoise is described as follows;

Turquoise is a mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium.

Turquoise is a purification stone. It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks. Turquoise aids in the absorption of nutrients, enhances the immune system, stimulates the regeneration of tissue, and heals the whole body. It contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, and alleviates cramps and pain. Turquoise purifies lungs, soothes and clears sore throats, and heals the eyes, including cataracts. It neutralises overacidity, benefits rheumatism, gout, stomach problems, and viral infections.

Another web site provides a historical perspective on some of the more negative associations of Turquoise. It suggests one superstition is that you should avoid wearing turquoise that belongs to a deceased person as it takes on the characteristics of the wearer. Europeans of the middle ages said that Turquoise would lose its color when the wearer contracted an illness and was a gauge of the general health of a person. The people of the Afghanistan, Persia, India, and Arabia thought that a Turquoise stone that changed color was an omen of illnesses or death. Arab writings from the 12^th century warned that a pale stone meant polluted air or a change in the weather. Dipping Turquoise in water gave the water the ability to cure bladder ailments.

This suggests that Turquoise has both positive and negative associations in different cultures and in different historical periods. Is there something then in our relationship to Turquoise that determines whether there is a positive or negative association? Is it in our beliefs about that object? and the power of belief? How many people hold these beliefs today? Do you have stories of Turquoise jewellery and superstition that you could share with us?