Turquoise: meaning, traditions and care

Turquoise is a copper and aluminium phosphate; much turquoise sold is stabilised, dyed or imitation. It is usually sky blue to green, often with a dark web of matrix.

In modern crystal tradition it is linked with protection and travel; December birthstone. This is tradition and belief, not a health claim.

Best not. Turquoise is porous and can change colour with skin oils, perfume and water.

Sagittarius, Scorpio and Pisces, in modern crystal tradition.

Mainly Iran, the south-west USA, China and Egypt.

It is best kept out of strong sun: turquoise can fade, dry out or lose its lustre in direct sunlight over time. A short morning hour on a windowsill is unlikely to harm it, but don't leave it on a sunny sill for weeks. Many people use moonlight instead, which suits every stone. See the full moon calendar for the next date.

You can cleanse turquoise with the smoke of incense or a herb bundle, the sound of a singing bowl or bell, a night under the moon and a few hours on a selenite plate. In crystal tradition cleansing clears what a stone has 'soaked up'; practically, it is a gentle routine and a good moment to dust it. Skip water and salt for this stone.

The most common way to charge turquoise is to leave it out overnight under a full moon, then hold it and set an intention. Tradition also uses a selenite plate or a clear quartz cluster, rather than sunlight, because this stone can fade. Charging is a belief-based practice, so choose whatever feels meaningful to you.

No, salt is best avoided for turquoise. At 5–6 on the Mohs scale salt grains can scratch, pit or draw moisture into it. Use smoke, sound or moonlight instead. Our crystal care guide lists safe methods for each stone. A selenite plate is a simple salt-free alternative.

In modern crystal tradition turquoise is linked with the throat chakra. Its colour (sky blue to green) is part of the reason, because chakra systems match stones by colour. To work with it, many people place it on the body during a short meditation or keep it nearby while they rest.

Crystal writers most often link turquoise with Sagittarius, Scorpio and Pisces. You can see how it sits with the other stones on our Scorpio crystals page. These links are modern tradition, not ancient rules, so anyone can enjoy turquoise whatever their sign.

Turquoise is most often paired with Amazonite, Chrysocolla and Lapis Lazuli. In crystal tradition the pairing works because the stones share a chakra or balance each other's themes, such as calm with energy or grounding with clarity. Keep softer stones in a separate pouch so harder ones don't scratch them.

Yes, turquoise and amazonite are a classic pairing in crystal tradition. Turquoise is linked with the throat chakra and amazonite with the throat and heart, so together they are used to blend two different themes. Store them apart, because turquoise is softer and can scratch.

Yes, turquoise and chrysocolla are a classic pairing in crystal tradition. Turquoise is linked with the throat chakra and chrysocolla with the throat and heart, so together they are used to blend two different themes. Store them apart, because chrysocolla is softer and can scratch.

Yes, turquoise and lapis lazuli are a classic pairing in crystal tradition. Turquoise is linked with the throat chakra and lapis lazuli with the throat and third eye, so together they are used to blend and strengthen one shared theme. Store them apart, because lapis lazuli is softer and can scratch.

A good spot for turquoise is on a desk, bookshelf or anywhere you write, call or speak, in line with its link to expression. Keep it away from a sunny windowsill so the colour lasts. Avoid bathrooms and kitchens, where steam and splashes can damage it. Feng shui and crystal placement are traditions, so trust where it feels right.

It is better for occasional wear: turquoise is soft and scratches easily. It measures 5–6 on the Mohs scale, where quartz is 7 and household dust (which contains quartz) is about 7 too. Put it on after perfume and lotions, and take it off for washing up, the gym and sleep.

No, turquoise should never be put straight into drinking water. It contains copper minerals that can leach into water. Instead, use a bottle with a sealed crystal chamber, or stand a sealed glass beside the stone. See our crystal water bottles and how to use them.

Much 'turquoise' is dyed howlite or magnesite; a cotton bud with a little acetone on a hidden spot often lifts dye from fakes. Buying from a seller who names the stone, its origin and any treatment is the simplest safeguard.

Turquoise is a copper and aluminium phosphate; much turquoise sold is stabilised, dyed or imitation. It is usually sky blue to green, often with a dark web of matrix, and it measures 5–6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Knowing what a stone is made of tells you how to care for it: this one should be kept dry.

It can be, as long as you know turquoise needs gentle care. Many beginners start with stones they find beautiful, then add clear quartz, which crystal tradition calls the all-purpose stone. Keep it in a soft pouch and away from water.