![]() ![]() ![]() In Mesoamerica, the use of turquoise was first seen in the 3rd century, becoming more widespread around the 10th century due to its ideological significance. For early civilizations such as the Ancient Egyptians, Chinese (carving it more than 3,000 years ago), Persians and Aztecs, turquoise was a prized material laden with both political and spiritual symbolic value. Sold for $7,500 via Billy the Kid Auction House (September 2019).įor centuries, jewelry and talismans made from vivid turquoise stones have proved compelling for cultures all over the world. Mark Yazzie Solid 18K Gold Spider Web Ancient Egyptian Turquoise Graduated Row bracelet. Only one mine, located in Apache Canyon, California, commercially operates today. ![]() A significant source of turquoise, however, can still be found in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. Areas of California and New Mexico were mined by pre-Columbian Native Americans using stone tools, reinforcing the heritage of turquoise as a symbol and ornament within Native American cultures.Īs a direct result of westward expansion in the United States, turquoise mining reached its zenith in the late-19th century, but was abruptly halted by onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Demand for turquoise from the Mesoamerican world arguably led to its popularity in the Southwestern United States. In the Americas, turquoise moved between mining areas in present day New Mexico through trading networks, and were incorporated into the range of objects known as Aztec mosaics. Iran served as a key source of turquoise for at least 2,000 years, providing trade across the Middle East and Europe. Prized for thousands of years, it is thought to be one of the first gemstones intentionally mined. Turquoise, a soft semi-precious stone, is one of history’s most cherished and symbolically imbued gems. ![]()
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