The modern birthstone for the month of December is the beautiful turqouise. Turqouise is a copper aluminum phosphate mineral that is found in locations that have a higher concentrations of copper. Turquoise is created from a variety of natural process and is found in areas that are arid in climate. Arid climate conditions are important in weathering and oxidation of copper deposits and producing the conditions that support the creation of turqouise. Turqouise can also be created from hydrothermal actions, leaching and precipitation of surrounding copper deposits to form turqouise.
Turqouise comes in variety of shades and such as blue-green and even green with flecks of grey caused by traces of iron and chrome. The best quality turqouise is the "sky blue" or often called "robin egg" blue. Turqouise is found throughout the world, but comes primarily from the United States, Iran, Afghanistan, China and Mexico.
Turquoise has a colorful history and was prized by many cultures throughout the world. It was often worn to provide protection from dark and evil presences and is considered a good luck stone for travelers. Believed to protect people from poisons, falls and snakebites. Turquoise was also looked upon as a remedy for depression and to impart a cheerful outlook to the wearer. Given to special people to seal lifelong friendships, faithfulness and personal relationships. Prized by the Native American cultures who believed that turquoise was part of the sky and was considered a sacred stone.
