Turquoise is the most popular stone Native Americans use to make jewelry and other products. Further, it has been an ancient stone in their culture for thousands of years. Turquoise in Native American culture has been there from many moons ago. It is also most recognized for its use in Native American jewelry and other products, but it may be found in many different civilizations worldwide.

The term “turquoise” came from the French phrase “turquerie,” which means “Turkish color.” Originally, this name referred to the deep blue hue of the lapis lazuli stone, which was brought from Afghanistan and Persia (now Iran). However, over time it came to be applied to any blue-green mineral similar to lapis lazuli.

The natural form of Turquoise consists primarily of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate minerals. The copper content in Turquoise is usually just below the level that would cause it to change color due to oxidation.

Now that you have learned a lot about Turquoise let’s look at the importance of Turquoise in Native American culture and why Navajo turquoise jewelry is popular among native Americans.

In its natural state, you will find hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate minerals in a turquoise composition. The copper concentration of Turquoise is normally slightly below the amount at which it would oxidize and change color.

Now that you’ve learned a lot about Turquoise, let’s take a look at the significance of Turquoise in Native American culture and why Navajo turquoise jewelery is so popular among native Americans.

What Is The Meaning Of Turquoise In Native American Culture?

When discussing the significance of Turquoise in Native American culture, the first question that comes to mind is when was Turquoise discovered? The oldest evidence of turquoise gemstones is found in ancient Egyptian tombs, which include magnificent turquoise jewelry dating back to 3000 BCE. The Egyptians used Turquoise in gold necklaces and rings, as inlay, and to sculpt scarabs.

Native Americans see the Earth as a living being, and everything in nature holds importance. According to Navajo legend, human tears soak into the soil and form Turquoise when it rains after a long drought. This is why Turquoise is so important in native American culture.

Turquoise signifies life, the Earth’s and the sky’s colors. But what exactly Turquoise represents? The meaning of turquoise jewelry is the fragment of the sky that has fallen to Earth. Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Acoma Pueblo, and the Maya and Aztecs traditionally connected Turquoise with healing, spiritual connection, and good fortune.

Turquoise changes color based on its surroundings—aluminum turns it green, zinc gives it a yellowish tinge, and sunlight and weather brighten it to a softer blue. Because of its color-changing properties, Turquoise became known as the “living stone.” Thus, the turquoise Navajo meaning reflects life and the various colors of the Earth. Therefore, it bestows protection, power, and energy to individuals wearing it.

Features Of Turquoise

There is no single rare or excellent turquoise stone. However, there are several unique varieties of Turquoise with distinctive hues. There are uncommon blue-violet turquoise specimens and very expensive transparent or translucent turquoise crystals from Virginia, for example.

Here are some of the most frequent qualities of turquoise stones:

• Color: Blue, green
• Chakra: Throat, third eye
• Elements: Wood, metal
• Planet: Jupiter, Venus, Neptune
• Zodiac: Scorpio, Sagittarius, Pisces, Rabbit
• Bagua areas: Zhen, Qian
• Number: Vibrates to 1
• Origin: Afghanistan, Arabian Peninsula, China, Egypt, France, Iran, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Tibet, United States.

Why Is Turquoise Good?

The color turquoise never fails to inspire with its plethora of colors. Turquoise is a stunning blend of three color wheel beauties, with green, blue, and yellow tones. Never one to brag, Turquoise shines without even realizing it. This greenish-blue tint has a lot to admire with its humility and changing appeal. Moreover, there are many healing powers of Turquoise. Consequently, these healing powers strengthen the significance of Turquoise in Native American culture. The following paragraphs will talk about these powers.

Nervous System Relaxation

Emotional control is easier to say than we can actually do it. Turquoise aids in this process by soothing the nervous system. When our nerves are at peace, we may live stress-free. Furthermore, it increases self-assurance, making us more confident in our daily decisions. Besides, seeing the color turquoise can provide a sense of calm for public speakers. Further, the turquoise color reminds us to get out of our brains when making a speech. This allows us to stay concentrated and level-headed.

Offers Positive Results

Turquoise is as calming as it is appealing and refreshes, warms, and calms the spirit. Its blue undertones, invigorating spirit to its yellow components and encouraging qualities to its green components may take credit for its calm presence. These three colors work together to make Turquoise’s uplifting and calming color. Turquoise is a great hue to use to counteract stress and exhaustion. Its calm and bright demeanor will not disappoint.

A Great Emergency Contact

Allow the color turquoise to talk you down the brink while you’re in the midst of a crisis. Turquoise helps us think clearly, making it an excellent hue in emergencies. It not only fosters good decision-making, but it also promotes structure. We desire to be more organized when we see the color turquoise. It does not require that we arrange our affairs. Instead, it only implies it.

A Spiritual Guide

Turquoise has an amazing power to connect with our spirits. Because it is unassuming, we do not take offense when it provides advice. Turquoise helps us to feel more in tune with our intuition. Spiritual development occurs when we strengthen our connection with our sixth sense. Further, this gorgeous color inspires us to broaden our horizons, broaden our perspectives, and broaden our perspectives. This is another reason that increases turquoise meaning in the lives of Navajo people.

Together, these healing powers tell us how significant Turquoise is in Native American culture.

Final Words: Why Is Turquoise Significant To The Navajo?

The Navajo associate turquoise with protection and good health. The first turquoise beads are given to newborns at birth. The stone is also used in puberty rites, marriage and initiation ceremonies, healing ceremonies, and other whole and crushed rituals. No wonder the stone is so linked with every aspect of Navajo life that they are famous for their Navajo turquoise jewelry.

The Navajo believe this stone brings good fortune and store it in baskets or hanging from the ceiling to protect their family from harm. It was also taken into combat by Navajo warriors to protect them. Also, it was thrown into the river while praying to the rain deity and is frequently offered as a gift.

The Apache people equate the stone with rain found at the end of a rainbow. They fastened turquoise bits to their bows to protect them and give them strength and skill in combat.

The Hopi thought turquoise was a byproduct of a lizard that traveled between the heavens and the ground.

According to Navajo folklore, Estsanatlehi is a deity born from Turquoise and decked with stone. In Navajo coming-of-age ceremonies, she is honored. Turquoise is associated with healing and high talent among the Pima people of southern Arizona.

The Zuni, like the Inca, Maya, and Aztecs, believe that the stone protects them from demons. Green Turquoise, according to the Zuni, signifies women, whereas blue Turquoise represents males.

The Ojibwe have a strong dreamcatcher with a turquoise spider representing Asibikaashi (Spider Woman), who brought the sun back to their people.

Also Read: All you need to know about the benefits of the turquoise gemstone

Now that you understand the significance of Turquoise in Native American culture, you may want to purchase one for yourself. So, where can you buy Navajo tribe arts and crafts and jewelry?

Where To Buy Navajo Turquoise Jewlery?

To buy the finest quality Navajo tribe arts and crafts and jewlery, switch to the Navajo Art and Craft Enterprise website. They offer a great assortment of Navajo things. So, if you want to get the benefits of Navajo jewelry without burning your fingertips, visit their website immediately!