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The word Turquoise means “Turkish stone” because
the trade route to Europe came via Turkey. The best qualities
are found in northeast Iran, however, the southwest United
States is now the world leader in production. Colors in
Turquoise range from sky blue (the most desirable color
usually called robin's egg blue) to blue green and apple
green. The rarest and finest Turquoise has no "matrix," or veining in the stone. Egyptian Turquoise graced the necks of Pharaohs,
and Cleopatra probably ground up this gemstone for eye
paint. Tutankhamen’s tomb was filled with examples
of Turquoise inlay, beads, sculpture, and slabs used in
everything from jewelry and furniture to the great sarcophagus.
During the 16th century, Turquoise was used as currency
by the Southwest Indians. They believed the gemstone could
bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and
happiness and good fortune to all.
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