December's Birthstone - The Magical Stone - Turquoise

Hi Everyone,

For those of you born in the month of December your birthstone is turquoise (a hydruous copper aluminum sulfate usually found in semi-arid regions of igneous rock that contains high copper concentrations).

Turquoise is the planetary stone for Aquarious, Taurus and Sagittarius.  In Pre-Columbian American, turquoise was so sacred only the Aztec emperor was allowed to wear it. 

Many Native American Indians believe turquoise can only be found at the end of a rainbow.  Horse riders wear turquoise to protect them from falls.  It is usually mounted in gold. 

In Asia, turquoise is considered protection against the evil eye.  Tibetans carved turquoise into ritual objects as well as wearing in jewelry.  In India one who casts his eye on turquoise, just after gazing on a new moon, is destined for great wealth. In Europe, even today, wearing turquoise rings are given as foreget-me-not gifts.

Myths claim that this gemstone will change color as a way to warn of danger. 

On the mystical side, turquoise helps one start new projects. 

Shakespeare featured a turquoise ring in the Merchant of Venice.  During Queen Victoria's mourning, turquoise played an important role in jewelry.  It was very popular in the late 18th and 19th century because of its fashionable color and affordability.  And that popularity continues today.  In fact, it is considered the 'gem of the centuries'.

Next year I plan on spending the year on dragons for one blog and superstitions for the second.  Hope you'll drop by.

darcy