Turquoise: meaning, uses and care

How to read the labels Historical what the old sources say. Later tradition what later writers added. Modern modern practice and my own notes.

Turquoise is the sky-blue to green stone of deserts, often veined with brown or black matrix like cracked earth. It has been treasured on several continents for thousands of years, and it is also one of the most imitated stones in the world. In modern witchcraft it is a stone of protection on the road, friendship and courage.

At a glance

How witches use turquoise today

Modern Turquoise is a well-loved amulet stone in contemporary practice, often worn rather than kept on the altar.

Travel protection. A turquoise ring, bracelet or pendant is a common travel charm. Many witches put it on before a long journey and take it off when they are home.

Friendship. Turquoise is a traditional gift between friends in modern practice. Some witches exchange small pieces as a token of loyalty.

Courage and luck. Cunningham lists courage, money, love, friendship, healing and luck among its powers. It suits spells for a bold step taken with good companions.

Communication. Modern crystal books link turquoise with the throat and honest speech.

Respect. Turquoise is sacred to the Diné (Navajo), Zuni, Pueblo and other Native nations of the American Southwest, and to many other cultures. Wearing turquoise is not appropriation; copying ceremonies, sacred designs or “medicine” claims from a closed tradition is. Buying Native-made jewelry directly from Native artists is a good way to honor that.

Tarot pairing. I pair turquoise with the Six of Swords: a journey toward calmer waters.

Journal prompt. Who has traveled with me through a hard stretch, and how could I thank them?

Try this: a travel charm

1. Before a journey, hold a piece of turquoise jewelry or a small stone.
2. Name your route aloud: where you start, where you are going and who will be waiting.
3. Say: “Sky above, earth below, I go well and I come home.”
4. Wear it or carry it on the journey.
5. When you arrive home, take it off, wipe it with a dry cloth and say thank you.

Do the practical things first: check travel advice, tell someone your plans and carry what you need.

Folklore and history

Historical Ancient Egyptians mined turquoise in the Sinai, where the goddess Hathor was honored as “Lady of Turquoise.” Persian turquoise from near Nishapur was famous for centuries. The English name comes from French for “Turkish stone,” because it reached Europe through Turkish trade.

Later tradition Across the Near East and Central Asia, turquoise was set in horse harnesses, weapons and jewelry as a protective charm.

Modern Cunningham’s 1988 encyclopedia lists turquoise as receptive, ruled by Venus and Neptune, with the element Earth, for protection, courage, money, love, friendship, healing and luck.

Care and safety

Porous. Keep turquoise away from water, perfume, oils, lotions and household cleaners. Put jewelry on last and take it off first.

Heat and sun. Strong heat and long sun can fade or crack it.

No elixirs. Turquoise contains copper. Never put it in drinking water. Crystals are focus tools, not medicine.

Ethics and buying

Cheap “turquoise” is very often dyed howlite or magnesite, dyed white stone that shows color pooling in cracks. Reconstituted turquoise (powder pressed with resin), plastic and glass are also common. Natural turquoise is often stabilized with resin, which is acceptable if disclosed. The US Federal Trade Commission’s jewelry guides expect sellers to disclose treatments that affect value or care. Ask exactly what you are buying and where it was mined.

What next

Turquoise has blue and green cousins in lapis lazuli and malachite, and my page on ethics covers working respectfully with sacred materials. For safe practice, see my beginner’s guide to crystals.