Turquoise in Native Indian Jewelry – The Color And Symbolism

Turquoise is a sacred stone that has been prized for hundreds of years for its beautiful blue-green color and mystical healing properties by Native Americans. It is a precious stone that is seen in several pieces of Native Indian jewelry and is traded in markets around the world.

The members of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Pueblo have created and are still using turquoise in their vibrant jewelry – be it necklaces, cuff bracelets, and earrings, due to prehistoric myths. Not only the stone was valued by Native American Indians for carvings and jewelry, but also by Ancient Egyptians as exquisite turquoise adornments were discovered in tombs.

Different Shades of Turquoise

Ranging from dramatic blue to greenish-yellow – the color of turquoise shows a wide span of beautiful palettes. However, intense blue is the most prized color and very hard to find naturally in nature. The finest color of turquoise was found in Persia in ancient times, but in the later 1800s, miners unearthed Aztec mines in southeastern Arizona and the western United States. Today, the finest specimens of turquoise are found in Nevada and Arizona, while the United States being the largest producer of gem-quality turquoise stone. This precious stone gets beautiful colors depending on the concentration of metal present in it. Turquoise that is green in color, for instance, has a higher concentration of iron.

Turquoise Symbolism

The Indians of Native America believe that turquoise creates a direct connection with the sky. As the stone possesses healing powers, it is used in the sacred bundles of medicine men. According to legends of the Aztecs, people rejoice and dance when the rains come, and their tears of joy mix with the rainwater, the earth soak it to create the ‘sky stone’. Turquoise is a symbol of protection, truth, and courage. According to Native Americans, the person who wears the stone is protected from harm, especially when fighting battles, while animals carry the rider safely and prevent falling off.

For centuries, this precious stone has been treasured for its natural beauty and the power of healing. If you are looking for Navajo Indian art on jewelry, Navajo-Artist is the best place to explore.