Thus, African turquoise is one of the interesting types of gemstones in the world that will be interesting for those who like stones with rich and active colors. While this gemstone may be mistaken for typical turquoise the range of colors it comes in and the story behind it, are worth exploring. Now let’s look into the reason why the African turquoise is indeed an interesting discovery in the world of gems.
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What is African Turquoise?
Turquoise is a trade name that has been used to refer to a type of jasper that is common in Africa and more so Southern Africa, namely Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It might sound like it, but it is not actually turquoise but another member of the Jasper family of minerals that fall under chalcedony. This is because its natural colors and markings are truly attractive.
The gemstone has a spectrum of blue to green colors that are combined with veins and zones of black or brown that make a beautiful and complicated picture. It may also be observed that African turquoise has a varied color and design and this is perhaps the reason why it is so appealing.
The Origin and History
African turquoise is quite young on the gemstone market, and it has only been in the market since the early two thousand. It was found in Africa, a place that is well known to contain large amounts of other minerals and precious stones. As the name may imply, African turquoise is not related to the identifying gemstone turquoise in terms of quality, characteristics, and discovery location.
The name ‘African turquoise’ was therefore imposed so as to capture the look of traditional turquoise but with an African flavor. Ligation is useful in marketing the gemstone, but it is good to know this gemstone is not real turquoise in terms of constituents and physical characteristics.
Physical Properties
African turquoise, like other forms of jasper, ranks low in the Mohs scale, but it can be quite hard and hence can be incorporated in all sorts of jewelry. It lies approximately, between 6 to 7 on the Moh’s scale of mineral hardness which defines the ability of a mineral to scratch other minerals. Because of this, it is recommended for turquoise rings, turquoise bracelets, and turquoise necklaces that will be used frequently.
It is known that the stone is actually a mineral mixture of various materials which includes quartz, feldspar, and iron which contributed to the color and texture of the gemstone. Accumulation of all these factors gives the stone an aesthetic outlook and high mechanical properties.
Symbolism and Uses
In the past, jasper was used as a protective gemstone and was said to help ground one’s energy. The healing properties of color are also present in African turquoise which is said to be associated with change and improved personality in most cases. Some people are of the view that it enables self-actualization and assists a person to accept change making it to be advisable to most people wishing to advance in the spiritual realm.
Elegant appeal is also one more feature of African turquoise that is used in addition to views related to the metaphysical powers of this stone. It is widely used in producing jewelry because of its rich colors and bizarre textural appearance. it has become popular with artisans especially when decorating products that are meant to be noticed because of their bright colors and beautiful workmanship.
Care and Maintenance
Maintaining African turquoise is not very complicated. However, it is recommended that one should clean the material gently with a soft cloth and maybe warm water and soap so that the surface is not spoiled by some strong chemicals. They pride themselves in their shine hence any idea that can help maintain that shine should be embraced and this can be gotten through polishing from time to time to avoid any dull look that may be seen in the future.
Since it is a tough stone, it is ideal for everyday use; nonetheless, it is best stored in a velvet box or any soft fabric to protect the same from getting scratched by other items of jewelry.
African Turquoise Benefits
But behind the facade of African Turquoise, there is more than meets the eye. It has so many positive impacts that make it appease in one’s life. Here are some of the key benefits of African Turquoise:
Spirituality:
African Turquoise enhances spirituality thereby helping individuals achieve inner and outer balance. This always brings about a sense of relaxation thus minimizing stress and anxiety and then allowing a person’s mind to be drawn towards the inside.
Aids Career and Business:
African Turquoise is considered to enhance a person’s career and business ventures. Others claim that it ushers positive energy and the feeling of abundance in your life.
Helps in Healing and Wellbeing:
African Turquoise is also considered to possess healing abilities. People use its ingredients to boost their immune system, ease pain and inflammation, and contribute to an individual’s wellness.
Fosters Creativity and Personal Freedom:
The energy that is associated with the stone is creativity, and personal freedom comes with wearing or using an African Turquoise. It makes you feel like an artist; and fosters the creativity in you by making you unleash yourself as you paint.
Conclusion
This gemstone known as African turquoise reflects the best idea of Africa when it comes to mineral products and it introduces a new type of turquoise for those who prefer their jewelry to be unique. It is interesting and attractive because of the colors and patterns on the skin, as well as its importance, so it may be an ideal option for those who are eager to have a stunning piece with a bright and elegant look.
If it is for the visual effect or for spirituality that people choose African turquoise, they are in for a treat, as it’s a lovely gemstone with a powerful significance. It has been noted that besides the physical features of any precious gemstone, the most important thing that people look for is the story or the meaning that is attached to it, therefore making it an eternal symbol of beauty for people who love beauty with history.
FAQs about African turquoise
Q1.What is African turquoise good for?
Brings Good Luck and Prosperity – African Turquoise is one of the stones that is believed to ensure good luck together with prosperity to the owners. Some people have indicated that it is used to pull in positive energy and help encourage abundance in one’s life. Helps in recovery and well-being – this is also thought to help in healing.
Q2. Is African turquoise real or fake?
First of all, you should understand that African Turquoise Beads are not made from the ‘real’ turquoise at all. They are, in fact, cut from jasper which itself is classified under chalcedony along the lines of agate. The main difference between jasper and agate is that the features inside jasper are nebulous and mistier.
Q3. What is the difference between turquoise and African turquoise?
African Turquoise on the other hand is not turquoise but is a ……that is discovered in Africa. This is usually blue or green in color and is believed to help in accomplishing change and development.
Q4. What is the real name for African turquoise?
The so-called African turquoise is in fact derived from the African Jasper, which was marketed and sold under the name “African Turquoise “. The Jasper originates from the Latin word ‘Jaspidem’ meaning ‘speckled stone’.
Q5. Does turquoise bring luck?
Traditionally, people refer to beautiful sky-blue turquoise stones as lucky. Discover more about turquoise as a stone including the cultural meaning among the Native Americans and the other cultures. Believe it or not, from Afghanistan to the Zuni Pueblo there are a great number of people who have held turquoise to be a stone which brings luck since ancient times.
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