Turquoise is an opaque mineral with a color range from blue to green to yellow-gray, while the stone's waxen luster only enhances its color.

The Navajo claimed turquoise was a piece of sky fallen to earth. The Apache believed it aided warriors and hunters to aim more accurately. The Zuni thought it protected them from demons. The Aztecs reserved it for their gods, forbidding mere mortals to wear it.

Turquoise has been mined in Northern Africa, Australia, Siberia, China and Europe, but by far the best turquoise comes from Iran and Tibet.

Turquoise is also known as an alternate birthstone for the month of December.