African Turquoise: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Significance and Recharging of the stone

African Turquoise is a member of the Quartz family. This natural stone is less well known than Turquoise, yet it is a unique and intriguing stone with a rich history and distinct beauty. Its misleading name has led to much confusion. Nevertheless, African Turquoise remains very popular for jewelry design and for its many lithotherapy benefits.

History of African Turquoise

The African turquoise derives its true name from African Jasper, which became known as "African Turquoise" for commercial purposes. The Jasper comes from the Latin "jaspidem", meaning "speckled stone". Other origins are thought to mean the same thing: from the Greek "iaspis" or the Hebrew "jaschpeh", both of which mean "speckled or spotted".

The history of African Turquoise was appreciated by ancient civilizations, notably the Egyptians. Many pieces of jewelry and amulets made of African Turquoise have been found in Egyptian tombs. The Egyptians believed that African Turquoise had protective properties and promoted health and longevity.

The Berber peoples of North Africa also used African Turquoise as a protective talisman, symbolizing luck, protection and wisdom. The natural stone African Turquoise was particularly prized by the Tuareg, who regarded it as a symbol of wealth and social status.

Although African Turquoise originated mainly in Africa, it was also used by some Native American cultures because of its similarity to traditional turquoise. Native Americans attributed many virtues to the natural stone, including protection, healing and communication with spirits.

Origin and composition of African turquoise stone

African Turquoise belongs to the Jasper family, part of the Quartz family. It is composed mainly of silicon dioxide, with the chemical formula SiO2. African turquoise has a specific gravity of around 2.5 to 2.9.

African Turquoise is formed when fine particles of silica are deposited in sediments, then compacted and cemented together over time to form a rock. It can also form in volcanic environments, where silica dissolves in lava, then recrystallizes.

African turquoise ranges in color from light to dark green, with shades of blue and brown flecks. Color nuances depend mainly on the stone's chemical composition and the presence of various minerals. It should be noted that most African Turquoise sold on the market has undergone a dyeing process to provide this distinctive color. Although the stone is natural, its color is not.

Origin of African Turquoise

The main deposits of African turquoise are found in various African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Egypt and Madagascar.

African turquoise has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

Virtues and significance of African turquoise in lithotherapy

In lithotherapy, African Turquoise is a stone of protection and comfort.

The natural stone African Turquoise in lithotherapy

On a physical level, the natural stone African turquoise is reputed to ease mood swings. It helps strengthen the digestive system to facilitate the elimination of toxins and combat eating disorders, and reinforces the respiratory system. In lithotherapy, this natural stone can also calm emotional disturbances related to the body and mind, helping to improve sleep.

In lithotherapy, on the psychic level African turquoise is an excellent emotional support. It soothes aggressive emotions such as anger and jealousy. It encourages self-confidence, the expression of feelings and sincere communication. This natural stone also promotes creativity, intuition and empathy.

Please note that lithotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or expertise.

Meaning of African Turquoise

African turquoise is a symbol of peace.

African Turquoise is often associated with the heart chakra , which promotes pure emotions, joy and benevolence, and enhances empathy and positive feelings such as love and friendship.

African Turquoise is linked to the astrological signs of Scorpio, Sagittarius, Libra, Aquarius, Gemini and Pisces.

African Turquoise stone care, purification and recharging

To care for your African Turquoise we suggest a few methods: