December BirthstoneThe December birthstone is the turquoise. It was used in jewelry and statues in ancient Egypt. The turquoise for thousands of years has been identified with good fortune. They were worn to prevent unnatural death. It was believed that when the turquoise changed color, it indicated pending doom. Some cultures believed that turquoise would bring material wealth to the wearer. The stone was named by Europeans from "Turkish" when it was seen in the adornments of the Crusaders' daggers and bridles. Native American cultures used the stone in masks and other adornments to protect the wear. The turquoise is called the friendship stone because when given as a gift, it makes the friendship lasting, faithful, and calm!!! There are turquois mines in the USA in California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
In Bisbee, Arizona see the Queen Mine for a tour. In Globe, Arizona see the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine operation - open to public.
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