December's Other Birthstone: Turquoise

While we list blue topaz as the December Birthstone, Turquoise is also an acceptable December gemstone. While the opaque blue to green stone is historically found and mined in Iran and Sinai, there are significant occurances in the American Southwest and Mexico - which accounts for it's popularity in Native American and Mexican jewelry. The Aztec and American tribes such as the Apache and Navajo prized the stone as did the Ancient Egyptions and Persians. Even today silver gemstone jewelry inlaid with american turquoise is popular in the Southwest.

The most valuable Specimens are more blue than green and do not contain the specks of other minerals often found in the gems. That said, veined or flawed specimens can often make the most stunning jewelry. Turquoise is often treated with waxes to protect the stones and give them a "wet" polished look. Some are treated with resins and dyes. In some cases porcelain and plastic are used as imitation turquoise. While beautiful blue turquoise are a site to behold, a stone that looks too good to be true might be worth closer examination.