Turquoise is a blue-green mineral that has been prized for its color since ancient times. Many ancient cultures believed that turquoise had mystical powers and could bring good fortune, health and protection. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the healing properties of crystals and gemstones like turquoise. But what does science say about the purported healing powers of turquoise? Here we will explore the history, lore and research behind turquoise as a healing stone.
The history and lore of turquoise
Turquoise has been mined for over 6000 years, and was first used by the ancient Egyptians where it adorned the masks, crowns and jewelry of the pharaohs. The Egyptians called turquoise “mefkat” which meant “joy” and “delight”. The vibrant blue stones were thought to possess mystical powers that could protect the wearer from harm. Turquoise was also prized by the ancient Aztecs and Incas of South America. The Aztecs decorated their ceremonial masks with the stone, believing it had the power to protect them from evil. The Incas used turquoise extensively in their jewelry and attributed magical properties to it.
Across many ancient cultures, turquoise was believed to be a holy stone that connected the wearer to the spiritual realm. Native Americans have long used turquoise for protection and to promote wellness and healing. In the Southwest United States, the Apache believed turquoise helped warriors and hunters avoid accidents. The Zuni and Pueblo tribes believed the blue-green color of turquoise would bring refreshment like rainfall to desert lands. Navajo lore also holds that turquoise is living stone that brings health and good fortune to those who wear it.
Turquoise meaning in crystal healing
In crystal healing, turquoise is thought to have a variety of metaphysical and spiritual properties. Here are some of the meanings associated with turquoise in crystal healing:
- Promotes inner calm and peacefulness
- Aids in mental clarity and focus
- Boosts the immune system
- Eases headaches and pain
- Helps respiratory ailments
- Balances the thyroid
- Reduces inflammation
- Alleviates post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Cleanses the body of toxins
- Lifts depression and relieves anxiety
The azure blue color of turquoise resonates with the throat chakra, which governs communication and self-expression. Thus, turquoise is believed to aid in clear communication and bringing inner thoughts to outer manifestation. The stone is also associated with the heart chakra, which deals with love, compassion and inner peace. Wearing or carrying turquoise can help bring about a calming, grounding effect during times of stress.
Scientific research on turquoise
There is limited scientific evidence that turquoise has measurable physical healing effects. However, some initial studies have hinted at potential benefits that warrant further investigation:
– A 2009 study found that extracts of Iranian turquoise showed anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects comparable to diclofenac sodium in rat trials. This suggests potential analgesic properties.
– Early research from the 1980s showed turquoise may inhibit tumor growth. A 2009 study showed anti-microbial effects of turquoise against certain pathogens.
– A turquoise solution was found to absorb infrared radiation at certain wavelengths, suggesting potential protective capacities against infrared.
– As a phosphate mineral, turquoise may contribute phosphorus, copper and aluminum that serve various biological roles in the body. However, the bioavailability of these elements has not been studied.
– Effects on stress reduction and mood may be possible. One study found that simply viewing the color turquoise for 3 minutes helped reduce anxiety.
So while ancient traditions prized turquoise for its metaphysical healing, modern science has yet to corroborate these beliefs. Preliminary studies hint at anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-anxiety potentials that require further research. Turquoise remains popular in crystal healing as a calming stone purported to bring inner peace. But any true physical healing effects are unproven as yet.
How to use turquoise for healing
There are a few ways crystal practitioners recommend using turquoise for healing purposes:
Wear it as jewelry
Wearing turquoise as a bracelet, ring, pendant or other jewelry piece allows you to tap into its energy throughout the day. Skin contact is said to improve the bioavailability of its metaphysical properties. For anxiety or PTSD, wearing turquoise close to the throat or chest is ideal.
Place it in your environment
Putting turquoise stones or crystals in your living or work space allows its energy to permeate the environment. You can place specimens on your desk, nightstand, meditation altar, or even under your pillow or mattress.
Hold it during meditation
Holding a turquoise stone in your hands during meditation, yoga or prayer can deepen its relaxing and centering effects. Try using it during the throat or heart chakra healing practices.
Turquoise elixir
An elixir is made by soaking crystals in water, usually overnight or for a few hours in sunlight. Drink the water for inner healing effects. Make sure turquoise is non-toxic and safe for water use first.
Turquoise face mask
For skin healing, some crush turquoise into a fine powder and mix with yogurt or clays to make a turquoise face mask. Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. Be aware of skin reactions to unfamiliar ingredients.
Bathe with turquoise
For a soothing, relaxing bath, place turquoise chunks or small stones into your bath water. Turquoise infuses the water with its metaphysical properties. This technique is ideal for healing stress or anxiety.
Healing sessions
Working with a crystal healer allows you to benefit from turquoise healing properties aligned to your specific needs during a personalized session. Sessions may involve laying stones on the body, using a crystal wand or placement in the environment.
Choosing your turquoise stone
When selecting a turquoise stone for crystal healing, some qualities to look for include:
– Natural rather than dyed: Natural untreated turquoise is believed to have greater metaphysical powers.
– Blue & green tones: The signature color is key to its energy. Avoid faded, brownish hues.
– High grade stone: Premium quality A grade turquoise is more valued energetically.
– Stone size: 1-4 inches work well for handling. Larger pieces can be nicer for environmental purposes.
– Intact: Avoid cracked or broken stones which may have less coherent energy.
– Shape: Tumbled, raw, points, spheres or carved charms are common. Choose your preferred shape.
– Smoothness: Tumbled smooth stones are soothing. Raw, jagged stones impart stronger energy.
– Source: American sources like Arizona and New Mexico turquoise are most classic.
– Cost: Expect to pay $5-$100+ per stone depending on size, quality and type.
Always buy from a trusted source and choose stones that feel right to you intuitively. This maximizes the potential for benefit and positive experiences.
Is turquoise right for you?
Turquoise is widely regarded as gentle, soothing and nourishing for the body, mind and spirit. It can benefit anyone looking to:
– Alleviate anxiety, stress or depression
– Improve focus and mental clarity
– Enhance communication and self-expression
– Promote inner calm and peace
– Boost mood and emotional balance
– Support pain relief or immune function
Turquoise is very compatible with daily life since it mixes elegance with subtle healing properties. It tends to have universal appeal across men and women, youth to elderly. People dealing with trauma, PTSD, headaches, respiratory issues or thyroid imbalance may find turquoise particularly helpful.
Give it a try if you are drawn to its distinctive blue-green tranquility and timeless spiritual wisdom. With proper care, turquoise makes a beautiful lifetime companion on your journey towards wholeness, health and inner peace.
Conclusion
Turquoise has adorned kings and warriors across various cultures for thousands of years due to its mystical healing properties. While modern science has yet to confirm many of its purported medicinal effects, initial research does suggest some anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and stress-reducing benefits are possible. Much more rigorous study is needed. However, many crystal healers and those drawn to its striking blue color continue to prize turquoise as a stone of inner calm, communication enhancement and deep spiritual wisdom. It retains an allure as powerful as its fabled history. For those seeking a beautiful amulet of protection, self-expression and peace of mind, turquoise lives up to its name as the “fallen sky stone” across the ages.
