As the temperature lowers and the search for pumpkins shifts to Christmas trees, the one thing that brings warmth and comfort: December’s calming Sagittarius birthstone, turquoise. This beauty-of-a-stone bestows luck and protection to the wearer and known as the beacon of hope, for those feeling lost or stuck with bad juju. Its dreamy, sacred aquamarine hue represents the heavens above and the watery depths below, balancing fire and water, peace and chaos, while creating peaceful tranquility for all. So let's dive into this fiery festive sign to unlock the truths to be told about this Sagittarius zodiac stone.

WHAT IS TURQUOISE?

 

 

Ranging from vivid blues to Earthy greens, the tones of turquoise are reminiscent of the various hues that make up the bodies of water around the world, from the calm lagoons to the vast, deep ocean depths. Across centuries and diverse cultures, people have celebrated turquoise for its elegance, vibrant energy, and mystique, though it lacks the shimmer that other formal birthstones possess.

This azul-like mineral has long been a part of sacred rituals since the beginning of time and mined primarily in regions like Iran, Egypt, and the American Southwest. Turquoise has inspired many designers to use it within their designs to create luxurious jewelry pieces due to its veining patterns and smooth texture. Artisans cut this gem into mostly cabochons to complement their sleek, organic nature allowing turquoise to become a truly unique, timeless treasure that has been recognized in history and even honored today.

WHY IS TURQUOISE THE SAGITTARIUS  BIRTHSTONE? 

Like Yin and Yang, Sagittarius’s fiery energy finds harmony in turquoise’s calm, grounding presence. Turquoise’s history traces back many ancient roots: the book of Exodus, with a breastplate made of 12 different stones symbolizing the 12 months and the 12 zodiac signs, to a 5th-century Hindu text that chronicled the connection between gemstones, deities, and astrological forces. These ancient connections inspired the tradition of assigning birthstones to each zodiac sign. Even now, turquoise remains the Sagittarius birthstone, known for its protective and truth-enhancing qualities, reflecting the Archer’s fearless pursuit of adventure and meaning in life.

HOW IS TURQUOISE FORMED? 

Turquoise is found in some of the most rugged, arid landscapes where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps deep within the Earth’s crust and mingles with minerals containing phosphorus and aluminum. Over the years, this slow reaction transforms into hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, creating the semi-translucent to opaque gem we know as turquoise. The copper gifts this mineral its signature blue hue, while the hint of iron and zinc lend to the more green and teal tones. When turquoise grows in limonite or sandstone, deep-toned ‘webs’ become scattered across the surface like spider webs. These patterns serve as its ‘matrix’ where no two stones are alike: each vein and shade tells its own story of alchemy shaped by time, water, and stone-unlike any other gem out there.

ANCIENT BELIEFS ABOUT THE SAGITTARIUS BIRTHSTONE

 

 

Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. Many cultures value this stone as the bridge between heaven and earth, connecting those in this realm to their beloved ancestors. In Egypt, the ancient rulers adorned themselves in turquoise jewelry as a talisman for protection, connection to the divine, and status. In the Middle Ages, people believed turquoise brought good fortune, protection from evil, and health. Among the Aztecs, artisans shaped this gem into jewelry, shields, knife handles, and mirrors-reserving this stone for rulers and priests. Either way, all these cultures had one thing in common: they held the power of turquoise in high regard making it something everyone can still relate to in this day and age.

MODERN METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF TURQUOISE 

 

 

In modern practice, the metaphysical properties of turquoise connect deeply to the throat chakra, promoting clear communication from the heart with honesty and authenticity. These qualities come naturally to Sagittarius when they’re grounded in their power, yet can drift when their energy becomes scattered.

Turquoise even encourages a balanced flow, especially within the emotional realm. Acting as a moral compass, it allows Sagittarius to walk their path with integrity and purpose while gently guiding them home to themselves.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR TURQUOISE 

 

 

Before you buy, consider the 4C’s when shopping for the perfect turquoise. The color, cut, clarity, and carat (or size) are each adapted to this richly hued gem. Below are a few details to help you understand each:     

• The color holds the magic with its gradient tone and saturation, with the most prized being robin-egg blue turquoise. Stones that are more pale green or nearly yellow in appearance will often hold less value but are often more affordable.
• The cut for a turquoise is usually cabochon to showcase its unique texture and veins. They can be showcased in beads or flat inlays to show-off its organic beauty, as well.
• The clarity is opaque or semi-translucent. The presence of a matrix (veining) can add character, while higher quality turquoise has little to no webbing.
• Finally, the carat (or size) of the turquoise plays second fiddle in the grand scheme of its value. However, a large gem with paler or deeper hues, or a lot of texture, will not hold much value. Optionally, it is up to each individual what they find to be more valuable for representing their love story. 

All of this can be overwhelming, understandably. Reaching out to Olivia Ewing Jewelry for any turquoise requests for gemstone sourcing can be key to starting a one-of-a-kind design to represent your commitment to your beloved.

FAQs: Sagittarius Birthstone-Turquoise

 

 

WHAT IS THE SAGITTARIUS BIRTHSTONE? 

While turquoise is best known as the Sagittarius birthstone, it isn’t the only gem that honors those born in December. Other gems, such as topaz, tanzanite, and zircon, also share the celestial connection, each reflecting the various facets of the Sagittarius’s energy. Topaz radiates warmth and abundant grace, tanzanite gleams with deeper knowing and vast transformation, and zircon dazzles with pristine clarity and age-old wisdom. Yet turquoise reigns supreme, revealing ancient truths and serving as a talisman of protection and spiritual grounding. Whether worn for adornment or embraced as deeply rooted spiritualism, turquoise captures the essence of Sagittarius’s bold spirit, truth-seeking nature and guides the spirit toward ever-widening horizons. With its vivid spectrum of blue-green hues, turquoise spins its own story through a play of color. Each shade reflects the lush landscapes of the Earth and the inner emotions of its wearer, balancing adventure with serenity in one timeless jewel.

WHAT COLOR IS THE SAGITTARIUS BIRTHSTONE? 

Ranging from vivid oceanic blue tones to dull green hues (or bright sky-blues to grassy greens) the Sagittarius zodiac stone comes in an array of mystical blueish-green beauties that echo the natural world. Pure turquoise, with high copper content, radiates with a brilliant bright robins-egg blue, while stones with more iron or zinc unveil the darkness turquoise can take on with a luscious, deep green undertone-each variation holding its own, unique magic. Veining, or ‘the matrix’, ebbs and flow throughout its surface like cracks across desert stone or flowing rivers through lush forests. Each shade shares its own story, between the fire of uncertainty and the balance of stillness, it mirrors the harmony that is sought in the wearer’s life. Whether set in classic silver tones or hugged by the warmth of gold, turquoise shines as a statement piece symbolizing something spiritual or even your love story for times to come.

WHAT OTHER ZODIAC STONES ARE GOOD FOR SAGITTARIUS?

Beyond turquoise, topaz, tanzanite, and zircon, several other stones align beautifully with Sagittarius’s vibrations. Amongst a few, Lapis Lazuli encourages honesty, strengthens communication, and fosters deeper connections within friendship for the wearer, strengthening relationships within your inner circle. The gem, Papagoite, also brings benefits to this Jupiter sign, providing optimism and broad-minded thinking, while helping Sagittarians embrace new ideas, which is perfect for those who thrive on exploration and growth. Aventurine is another good choice, as it boosts this zodiac’s appreciation for the natural world around them, grounding the Sagg’s fiery energy.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with other green/blue stones, like chrysocolla and amazonite, as they further balance this sign's energy while enhancing their natural deeply-rooted insight. Together, their vibrant, cool tones and uplifting properties work alongside turquoise to act as personal talisman for the Archer, creating a harmonious constellation of guidance and grounding for this spicy star sign.

FEELING BLUE? OLIVIA EWING JEWELRY CAN HELP

 

 

As Sagittarius season unfolds, let turquoise be your personal talisman and beacon of hope. Whether you are seeking protection for a bold, new adventure (like an engagement) or desiring some inner calmness from the chaos of daily life, this sacred stone is here to guide you. Choose your own setting, or an ethically designed ring and let Olivia Ewing Jewelry make your vision for a custom Sagittarius birthstone piece a reality.

  

Meet the Author: Olivia Ewing