Turquoise is a striking blue-green mineral that has been prized for its color since ancient times. Many cultures around the world have associated turquoise with healing properties, luck, and protection. In recent years, some people have also begun claiming that turquoise has the ability to improve energy, vitality, and mood. But is there any truth to these assertions? Let’s take a closer look at the potential effects of turquoise on energy.
The history and meaning of turquoise
Turquoise has been mined for over 6,000 years, originally in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Sinai Peninsula. It quickly became a highly valued trading commodity in the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean regions. The Egyptians, Aztecs, and numerous Native American tribes used turquoise extensively in jewelry and decorative objects. Turquoise often symbolized life, fertility, and regeneration.
The striking color of turquoise means it has long been associated with the sky, and it was thought to combine the energies of the heavens and the Earth. Many cultures believed turquoise would protect against negative energy and evil, while attracting health, good fortune, and prosperity. It was considered a sacred stone by some Native American tribes like the Navajo and Apache. They believed turquoise promoted inner calm and peace of mind.
Turquoise meaning in spiritual energy systems
In some modern energy healing belief systems, turquoise properties are thought to have beneficial effects on the body’s energy centers known as chakras. The color blue is associated with the fifth chakra, the throat chakra, which is connected to communication and self-expression. Green relates to the fourth chakra, the heart chakra, linked to love, compassion, and emotional health.
Wearing or carrying turquoise is said to help balance these upper chakras and energy meridians running through the neck, shoulders, arms, and lungs. This balanced energy state may lead to feeling more relaxed, creative, honest, and open in communication with oneself and others.
Some also believe turquoise can smooth and attune the lower three chakras – the root, sacral, and solar plexus chakras. By removing blockages or excessive energy from these chakras, turquoise may allow for freer energy movement in the body and a greater sense of vitality.
Turquoise in crystal healing
In crystal healing traditions, turquoise is strongly associated with healing the body and soothing the mind. It is thought to calm and alleviate anxiety, fear, depression, and stress when worn or placed on the body. Many believe the unique colouring of turquoise connects us to the soothing energies of the sky and sea.
Turquoise is considered helpful for releasing old traumas or negative thoughts, bringing inner tranquility. It may enhance communication skills and allow you to speak your wisdom and truth. Some crystal healers prescribe turquoise to support respiratory, immune, and thyroid health. Overall, it is believed to be a gently uplifting stone that builds energy resilience and an inner sense of security.
Evaluating the benefits of turquoise
The long history of turquoise as a decorative and symbolic stone is well documented. But is there good scientific evidence that it can provide measurable health and energy benefits?
Unfortunately, direct studies testing the effects of turquoise on human energy, mood, and vitality are lacking. While turquoise has significance in various spiritual belief systems, there is no way to objectively measure subtle energy changes it may or may not produce. Controlled trials are needed to compare turquoise against placebo stones to determine any tangible impacts.
Some early research does suggest wearing blue-colored clothing or accessories can have a positive uplifting influence on mood compared to darker colors. But more specific research isolating turquoise itself is needed. Any mood boosting effects of looking at turquoise colors may be very temporary.
More research exists on the potential mental health benefits of mindfulness practices like meditation that advocate slowing down and living in the present moment. Tuning into a turquoise crystal or gemstone may help some people feel more meditative and peaceful. But these potential benefits are also very subjective and hard to quantify.
Potential risks
In general, turquoise is considered safe to wear or use during meditation practices. But a few potential risks need to be kept in mind:
– Imitation turquoise contains polymers and resins that can leach out over time. This makes quality important when selecting turquoise jewelry.
– Some turquoise is dyed or treated to improve color, which can also create the potential for skin irritation in those with sensitivities.
– Raw or porous turquoise may contain lead and should be avoided for use in elixirs or gem water. Lead is highly toxic.
– Like any stone, turquoise can theoretically harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. Be sure to regularly wash hands after handling and avoid placing in or on the mouth.
– Crystals should not replace conventional medicine or mental health treatment. Turquoise is not a cure-all solution for depression, anxiety, or chronic fatigue.
Summary
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have valued turquoise for its distinctive color and attributed this striking stone with protective powers, healing properties, and the ability to lend vitality and positive mood. In modern crystal healing belief systems, turquoise is thought to balance upper chakras, ease anxiety, and bring inner tranquility.
But concrete scientific evidence that turquoise can positively influence energy and mood is currently lacking. While turquoise retains symbolic and spiritual importance for many, its benefits are difficult to study and quantify. More controlled research would be needed to determine if turquoise has measurable effects on health and wellbeing above placebo stones.
As a natural mineral, quality turquoise is generally safe to use for crystal healing practices. But imitation or treated stones do carry some risks like skin irritation. It’s also key to remember turquoise should not replace medical or mental health treatment.
For those drawn to turquoise for its beauty and calming color, it may have a meditative effect and promote subjective feelings of relaxation. But the energy boosting powers of turquoise remain fuzzier, with potential benefits that are primarily anecdotal at this time.
Conclusion
Based on available evidence, the positive energy claims about turquoise are currently more spiritual and symbolic than definitively proven. While turquoise retains its cultural allure, scientific research has not objectively validated its powers to heal the body, balance subtle energies, or provide an actual mood and vitality boost. Much more controlled study is needed to investigate these anecdotal benefits before turquoise can be recommended as an energy enhancer.
For now, science indicates turquoise is more likely a neutral ornamental or meditative focus stone. Any benefits seem to lie mainly in its potential ability to calm the mind through its soothing color. It is best to enjoy turquoise based on personal resonance with its cultural history and beauty, without firm expectations that it can enhance physical or mental energy. With an appreciation for both its lore and the lack of concrete evidence, turquoise can be cherished as an ornament with potential subjective benefits.
| Potential Benefits | Evidence Level |
|---|---|
| Improves mood and reduces anxiety | Weak – anecdotal, placebo-controlled studies needed |
| Balances energy centers (chakras) | Very weak – lacks objective measurement |
| Boosts physical energy | No evidence – claims are speculative |
