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Turquoise
Gemstone Information
Information * Loose gemstones
* Jewelry links
Turquoise is a birthstone for the month of December and the gemstone representing the 11th wedding anniversary. It has been associated with horses for centuries by protecting the rider, who wears the stone, from any injuries if they were to fall off. In the 17th century, turquoise was only considered effective if received as a gift. Native Americans in the Southwest saw the stone to be sacred; and Tibetans today consider turquoise a stone of good fortune, health, and a protector against the "evil eye". |
ENHANCEMENT CODE N
Click to view
AGTA code.
PROPERTIES
Refractive
Index 1.610 - 1.650
Hardness = 5-6 (Moh's
Scale)
Specific Gravity = 2.76
Species - Turquoise
Optic Character - Aggregate.
WARNINGS FOR CARE
Ultrasonic: Never use.
Steamer: Never use.
Heat: Very poor; will break into pieces.
Chemicals that
harm: Hydrochloric acid, specific gravity liquid.
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Crystal Structure
Crystal system: Triclinic. Kidney or grape shaped aggregate.
MAJOR SOURCES
US, Australia, Chile, China, Mexico |
Birthstones |
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January |
Garnet |
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February |
Amethyst |
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March |
Aquamarine |
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April |
Diamond |
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May |
Emerald |
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June |
Pearl/Alexandrite |
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July |
Ruby |
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August |
Peridot |
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September |
Sapphire |
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October |
Opal/Tourmaline |
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November |
Topaz or Citrine |
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December |
Blue Topaz or Zircon |
Round cut.
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Oval
shape. |
Pear
shape. |
Marquise cut. |
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